Class 12 Exam  >  Class 12 Notes  >  Silas Marner by George Eliot - English, Class 12  >  Chapter 4 - Summary, Silas Marner by George Eliot

Chapter 4 - Summary, Silas Marner by George Eliot | Silas Marner by George Eliot - English, Class 12 PDF Download

  • The next morning, Dunstan sets off on his new horse, Wildfire. He passes Silas Marner's cottage and suddenly realizes he should have suggested that Godfrey borrow money from Silas. He almost heads home to do just that and then decides it's much more fun to watch Godfrey squirm.
  • Dunstan sells the horse to men named Keating and Bryce and agrees to deliver it after he's done hunting for the day. Big mistake. The horse promptly impales himself on a fence stake and dies.
  • Dunstan is less upset about this than you might think. He's mostly grateful that no one's around to see the accident, and he starts walking home because he doesn't want to appear at the stable to hire a horse and let the stableman know that he'd had an accident.
  • He's got a whip in his hand, a nice gold one. It happens to be his brother's, but that doesn't bother him—heck, it probably adds to the experience.
  • As the night grows darker and wetter, he finds himself near Silas's cottage. Silas's gold starts to seem powerfully interesting. He decides to bypass Godfrey and ask Silas for the money himself.
  • But Silas isn't home.
  • Not one for social graces, Dunsey lets himself in and sits down by the fire. There's a sausage roasting in the fireplace, and Dunsey wonders where Silas is. Maybe he's dead? He notices some sand on the floor.
  • In a second, he's moved the sand, got the bricks up, snatched two heavy leather bags, and left—rather ominously, he steps "forward into the darkness" (1.4.11). Yeah, we're thinking that's metaphorical.
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FAQs on Chapter 4 - Summary, Silas Marner by George Eliot - Silas Marner by George Eliot - English, Class 12

1. What is the summary of Chapter 4 in Silas Marner?
Ans. In Chapter 4 of Silas Marner, the focus shifts to the village of Raveloe, where the villagers are introduced along with their customs and beliefs. The narrative describes the close-knit community and their celebrations, particularly the New Year's Eve party at Squire Cass's house. The chapter also introduces Godfrey Cass, the eldest son of the Squire, and his secret engagement to a local girl named Nancy Lammeter.
2. How does Chapter 4 contribute to the overall plot of Silas Marner?
Ans. Chapter 4 serves to provide a deeper understanding of the setting and the characters in the novel. It introduces the village of Raveloe and its traditions, which contrast with Silas Marner's isolated and solitary life. Additionally, the chapter introduces Godfrey Cass, whose secret engagement becomes a significant plot point later in the story. Overall, Chapter 4 helps establish the foundation for the events that unfold in the rest of the novel.
3. What is the significance of the New Year's Eve party in Chapter 4 of Silas Marner?
Ans. The New Year's Eve party in Chapter 4 is significant as it showcases the community spirit and social gatherings in the village of Raveloe. It highlights the villagers' enjoyment of traditional customs and their close relationships with one another. The party also serves as a backdrop to introduce Godfrey Cass and his secret engagement, which adds an element of intrigue and foreshadowing to the story.
4. How does George Eliot use the character of Godfrey Cass in Chapter 4?
Ans. In Chapter 4, George Eliot introduces Godfrey Cass as a character with a secret engagement to Nancy Lammeter. This revelation adds complexity to Godfrey's character and raises questions about his motivations and conflicts. By including this detail, Eliot sets up potential conflicts and dilemmas for Godfrey in the future, making him a more dynamic and intriguing character in the overall narrative.
5. How does Chapter 4 portray the contrast between Silas Marner and the villagers of Raveloe?
Ans. Chapter 4 highlights the stark contrast between Silas Marner's isolated life and the vibrant community of Raveloe. While Silas lives in seclusion and is viewed as an outsider, the villagers of Raveloe are shown to have a strong sense of community, enjoying social gatherings and traditions such as the New Year's Eve party. This contrast emphasizes Silas's loneliness and further isolates him from the rest of society, making his eventual connection with the villagers even more significant.
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