Class 12 Exam  >  Class 12 Notes  >  Silas Marner by George Eliot - English, Class 12  >  Chapter 3 - Summary, Silas Marner by George Eliot

Chapter 3 - Summary, Silas Marner by George Eliot | Silas Marner by George Eliot - English, Class 12 PDF Download

  • But first, let's meet Squire Cass.
  • Squire Cass is the most important man in Raveloe. The farmers have low standards, so they assign him the title "squire" even though he doesn't really deserve it. (Squires traditionally owned lots of land, had a coat of arms, and were related to peers.) Like a real landlord, he collects rent from tenants.
  • Brief historical digression: this is all taking place about the time of the Napoleonic Wars (beginning of the 19th century), which is good for people who own land. The wars finally ended when England, and the Russian winter, put an end to Napoleon's rather successful march across Europe.
  • In Raveloe, what's good for the rich is good for the poor, since the poor get the leftovers of the rich.
  • During the Christmas season, all the rich travel from house to house at each other's parties. Parties at Squire Cass's are the best, because his wife is dead—which means that there's no limit to the food.
  • Sadly, the villagers think, his sons are a little wild. Dustan (Dunsey to his friends) likes to drink and gamble, and the older Godfrey seems to be following his example. If only Godfrey would marry Nancy Lammeter! She's a nice girl, thrifty without being cheap.
  • Anyway, it's fifteen years after Silas moved to Raveloe, and now the action is starting. Godfrey stands in a dark parlor with his back to the fire and his hands in his pockets.
  • Dunsey walks in, and Godfrey scowls. (Looks like there's not much brotherly love here.)
  • Both guys are a little drunk. They start to fight. It seems that Godfrey gave some rent money to Dunsey rather than handing it over to his father. Why doesn't Godfrey just rat his brother out? Because Dunsey might rat him out. Godfrey's married already—and his wife, Molly Farren, is a drunk. (We sense a theme.)
  • So Dunsey tells Godfrey to get the money himself, nagging at him to borrow or to sell his horse until Godfrey threatens to just come clean to their father.
  • Godfrey's got a big strong body but a weak mind, and he can't decide what to do. He's afraid to lose Nancy Lammeter, but the only solution he can come up with is enlistment in the army. Dunsey comes up with a potentially less lethal option. He offers to sell the horse for him, and Godfrey agrees.
  • As miserable as Godfrey is, he'd be more miserable if his secret came out. Nancy would reject him, and (worse!) his father would disinherit him.
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FAQs on Chapter 3 - Summary, Silas Marner by George Eliot - Silas Marner by George Eliot - English, Class 12

1. What is the summary of Chapter 3 in George Eliot's Silas Marner?
Ans. In Chapter 3 of Silas Marner, the story focuses on the introduction of the character of Eppie. Silas Marner, a weaver living in the village of Raveloe, finds a golden-haired child wandering near his cottage. He takes her in and names her Eppie. The villagers speculate about the child's origin, and Silas becomes deeply attached to her. The chapter explores Silas' newfound joy and the impact of Eppie's presence in his life.
2. How does the introduction of Eppie affect Silas Marner in Chapter 3 of Silas Marner?
Ans. The introduction of Eppie brings a profound change in Silas Marner's life. Prior to finding her, Silas lived a solitary and isolated existence, consumed by his hoard of gold. Eppie's arrival brings warmth, love, and purpose to his life. Silas becomes deeply attached to her, experiencing a sense of joy and belonging he had never felt before. Eppie's presence helps him to overcome his past traumas and find redemption through love and companionship.
3. How do the villagers react to the appearance of Eppie in Chapter 3 of Silas Marner?
Ans. The villagers of Raveloe are curious about the appearance of Eppie and speculate about her origin. Some believe she might be an orphan, while others suspect that she might be the child of a poor family. They discuss the possibilities amongst themselves and observe Silas' interaction with the child. Overall, the villagers seem intrigued by Eppie's presence, but they do not interfere with Silas' decision to take her in.
4. What is the significance of Eppie's golden hair in Chapter 3 of Silas Marner?
Ans. Eppie's golden hair holds symbolic significance in the story. It represents her purity, innocence, and beauty. Silas, who was initially captivated by his hoard of gold, now finds himself drawn to Eppie's golden hair. It symbolizes a shift in Silas' perception of wealth and material possessions. Eppie's presence and her golden hair become a source of joy and love for Silas, replacing his previous obsession with material wealth.
5. How does Chapter 3 of Silas Marner contribute to the overall themes of the novel?
Ans. Chapter 3 of Silas Marner contributes to the overall themes of the novel by exploring the transformative power of love and human connection. Silas Marner, a lonely and isolated character, finds hope, redemption, and a sense of belonging through his relationship with Eppie. The chapter highlights the importance of emotional connections and the impact they can have on one's life. It introduces the theme of human connection and sets the stage for further exploration of this theme throughout the novel.
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