Why does Dorothea wants to know more about the Farebrother’s household? Is it in connection to Will? Does Dorothea have any feelings for Will?

Caleb Garth… This character is the most genuine character in the book he has no grudges for anyone within the community. His major flaw is that he is so naive and trusting of others. I do not believe that after someone has taken money from you to pay off his debt, money that was very beneficial for your family can turn over a new leaf so quick. I am proud of Fred for actually going to get his degree however I do not believe he actually realizes fully the consequences and suffering he caused. Fred is still too caught up on his feelings for Mary and the fact that she will not marry him.

Mr. Vincy: Finally he has put down his feet when it comes to his son. He is telling him that he is no longer his responsibility, he has fed, gave him an education and now its time for him to stand on his own. Vincy will no longer bail Fred out of his debt; this shows Vincy’s breaking point as a parent. He has done everything for his child and that child brush aside that parent concern and opinions.

Men versus Women: Eliot shows the difference between men and women that is still seen in today’s society. Women are always seen as inferior to men- e.g. a perfect example of this would be the educational difference between  men and women. Men can go out and learn a trade and get an education on anything they want, through hard work men can improve their status within society. Women, on the other hand, has to use marriage and their husband to improve their quality of life, they are not allowed to have an education similar to that of men. The kind of education they receive is all  about how to be the perfect housewife for their husband, it is nothing beneficial for living in the real world. For a woman their reputation is everything- e.g. Dorothea. Although Dorothea did not commit any foul play while married to Casaubon, the condition in his Will led to her downfall. Due to how small and connected everyone is within Middlemarch there is no such thing as a secret. The people closest to Dorothea tried to save her reputation, however, the number one person I would have to blame about this gossip on Dorothea is Mr. Brooke. If Mr. Brooke had listened and not invite Will to Middlemarch I believe everything would have been fine with Dorothea’s reputation intact. Looking on the other hand, Featherstone has an illegitimate son who he gave wealth and property to with this Rigg’s can become a gentleman that can now be considered part of high society. Having an illegitimate son does not affect Featherstone’s reputation, it would be frowned upon, but no one would shun him. It’s sad that although things have changed between the time Eliot has written the book to today for men and women there are still some things that are not equal between the two gender.  

Keulesia Webley-Sewell