NON-AFRICAN PROSE
GEORGE ELIOT: Silas Marner
Examine how William Dane affects the fortunes of Silas Marner
Explanation
William Dane affects the life and fortunes of Silas Marner to a large extent. Silas is highly regarded in the church assembly in Lantern Yard where he worships with his best friend, William Dane.
Silas is known to be a young man of exemplary life and ardent faith. Silas loves William Dane but it soon becomes apparent that he does not love him return. When Silas has a ‘cataleptic lit’ and everybody sees it as a ‘divine visitation’ it is William alone who sees it as a visitation from the devil. Silas is hurt by his friend’s uncomplimentary interpretation and derogatory remarks. He is discouraged by his friend’s doubts as he believes that William is the one person who should know him better than everyone else. Silas’ trust in William manifests itself in his invitation to join him and Sarah on their Sunday afternoon outings.
During this period, Silas notices a certain coldness in Sarah’s behaviour to him. Silas’ trusting nature is soon to suffer a sudden jolt when he and William Dane take turns in watching over the sick Deacon. William fails to turn up on a night he is to relieve Silas and in the morning, the Deacon is found dead and the church money missing. Responsibility for the theft is attributed to Silas but it soon becomes clear that William is responsible. He has deliberately framed Silas to get rid of him. Silas’ realization of William’s evil has a devastating effect on him. When he realizes that William has taken over his betrothed, Sarah, he loses complete faith in the goodness of human beings.
This betrayal affects him for the rest of his life. William’s treachery also contributes to Silas’ loss of faith in God. The lots which Silas hopes will clear him of the charges levied against him declare him guilty.