What is the importance of the Rainbow Inn scene in Chapter 6?

Chapter Six is likely the most famous chapter in the novel, Silas Marner. The scene at the Rainbow Tavern doesn't provide specific information, but rather, presents the character of the villagers..... the villagers as a whole. Chapter Six is an illustration, a portrait of the "settled" villagers of Raveloe. Present in the illustration are the wheelwright, the farrier, the landlord of the tavern, the tailor, and the butcher among others, their professions, and their vivavious discussion and arguments.