Two persons are tempted… but, in my opinion, one will survive intact, while the other collapses. The author’s skill of maintaining interesting dialogue, stimulated by exceptional portrayals of how the human mind thinks, is fascinating. George Eliot has a true gift for analyzing why people make the choices they do.
Lydgate was not held in high esteem by the local community, so his credit crisis is met with derision. Partly they are influenced by his ability to carry off the prettiest girl in town (p639); and Middlemarch doctors are apprehensive of Lydgate’s vision of medical reform, because it might dislodge their own unchallenged position of authority. Rosamund belonged to the town/she was one of them; therefore, any financial arrears must be due to the outsider ’s flaws.
Lydgate, an innate ‘giver’ (to his profession and to his wife), did not grasp the extent of his overspending until he realized that his job was not sufficient to support their lifestyle. Rosamund, always the center of attention, could not comprehend any needs or desires but her own.
When Mr Farebrother noticed that Lydgate seemed bored (p641), he offered a friendly ear, but Lydgate felt threatened by this innocent gesture. The young physician was afraid to lose control of his life and admit failure in both marriage and profession. Plagued by monetary worry, he was distracted from his enthusiasm for medicine. Prospects were grim when he confessed to himself that incompatibility is chiefly between scientific ambition and a wife who objects to that kind of residence. (P 679) Reaching out to her, emotionally, she responded with a lukewarm regard, and Lydgate dreaded a future without affection (P 649).
Rosamund did not have the ability to comprehend another’s viewpoint if it caused pain or discomfort to herself. Her retorts to Lydgate regarding why they must downsize, centered on social class and personal riches, and she blamed the lowering of his reputation, not her own selfish fears. Lydgate’s anger was stoked when she made financial decisions behind his back. Making no effort to work with him, his emotional outbursts only convinced her of her own virtue. Rosamund had learned how to manipulate the social system of male dominance, using pitiable complaints and tears… forcing her husband to back down on any rational proposals to deal with their debt. When her plans went awry, he shouldered the burden and disappointment. Rosamund’s feminine charms were her impenetrable defense.
What frightened Lydgate most about their vulnerable relationship? To lose his love for her, would mean there was nothing to bind them. So the young physician gave up his unrealistic expectation of an ideal wife who would devotedly honor and obey him. With the added disappointment of ignoring his research, he couldn’t bear to lose anymore of his hopes. Rosamund, on the other hand, gave up easily, when her airy conditions for happiness in marriage had not been met (P 661).
What could Lydgate do besides beg, borrow, or gamble … none of which fit his temperament. Pushed to the brink, he showed up at the local pub, startling Fred, who immediately turned away from his plan to gamble that night. Sensitive souls, like Fred and Mr. Farebrother, saw through Lydgate’s strange behavior, as they provided temporary rescue.
Soon enough, Lydgate’s humiliating circumstances compelled him to face Bulstrode, asking for a gift of 1000 pounds. At first, the banker denied, until the sorry episode with Raffles triggered an immediate change of heart. Bulstrode’s ‘gift’ was only offered with the intention of preventing the anguish of an imminent disgrace (P 688). But his devious payment to his protege is secondary to the evil deed he committed of Raffles’ murder. How heart-rending, but true, that a ‘man of God’ chose the path of dishonesty, initially to expand his ministry, but ultimately believing that his way was more important than God’s way. Bulstrode lost respect for human compassion, thus God’s voice was silent in his consciousness. Lydgate’s suffering on account of his natural empathy has the potential to result in his renewal; whether that includes his marriage remains to be seen.
Tudy Hill