Middlemarch is a novel by George Eliot, first published in eight installments (volumes) during 1871–1872. The novel is set in the fictitious Midlands town of Middlemarch during 1829–1832, and it comprises several distinct (though intersecting) stories and a large cast of characters. Significant themes include the status of women, the nature of marriage, idealism, self-interest, religion, hypocrisy, political reform, and education. The novel begins with the arrival of Dr. Tertius Lydgate, a young doctor who has come to Middlemarch to make a name for himself. He is soon courted by the town's wealthy and influential families, including the Vincys and the Bulstrodes. Meanwhile, the idealistic Dorothea Brooke is determined to marry for love, despite her family's wishes. She eventually marries the much older Edward Casaubon, a scholar who is researching a work on religious symbolism. The novel follows the lives of these and other characters as they navigate the social and political landscape of Middlemarch. Dorothea's marriage to Casaubon is a disaster, and she eventually falls in love with the younger Will Ladislaw. Lydgate's marriage to Rosamond Vincy is also troubled, as he is increasingly drawn to the beautiful and passionate Lady Dedlock. Meanwhile, the town is rocked by a scandal involving the Bulstrodes and their son, Fred. The novel culminates in a series of dramatic events that bring the various storylines to a close. In the end, the characters must confront the consequences of their choices and learn to accept the limitations of their lives.
By George Eliot · First published 1871 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction · 60 chapters