The Watch-Dog of Knowledge
The Watch-Dog of Knowledge is a novel by George Eliot that explores the themes of knowledge and power. The story follows the life of a young woman named Dorothea Brooke, who marries an older man in order to gain access to his library and pursue her intellectual interests. However, she soon discovers that her husband is not the enlightened scholar she had hoped for, and instead uses his knowledge to manipulate others for his own gain. As Dorothea struggles to find her place in a world dominated by men, she must confront the limitations of her own understanding and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
By George Eliot · First published 1869 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Psychological Fiction · 2,880 words
First lines
Mordax is an admirable man, ardent in intellectual work, public-spirited, affectionate, and able to find the right words in conveying ingenious ideas or elevated feeling. Pity that to all these graces he cannot add what would give them the utmost finish -- the occasional admission that he has been in the wrong, the occasional frank welcome of a new idea as something not before present to his mind! But no: Mordax's self-respect seems to be of that fiery quality which demands that none but the monarchs of thought shall have an advantage over him, and in the presence of contradiction or the threat of having his notions corrected, he becomes astonishingly unscrupulous and cruel for so kindly and conscientious a man.
What this Textopian page supports
The Watch-Dog of Knowledge is listed on Textopian as a novel by George Eliot, dated 1869 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George Eliot
- Date: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Literary Fiction
- Length: 2,880 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
- The Pursuit Of Knowledge by Stephen Leacock
- Much Too Modern History by G. K. Chesterton
- Credulity No Criterion by George Bernard Shaw
- The Caste Of The Articulate by Gelett Burgess
- Four Stupidities by G. K. Chesterton
- The Empire Of The Ignorant by G. K. Chesterton
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep philosophical themes such as egoism, morality, and the nature of intellectual superiority.
- Satire — The text employs satire to critique human vanity, arrogance, and the pretensions of intellectuals.
- Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the psychological motivations and inner conflicts of its characters, particularly Mordax.
- Social Commentary — The story provides commentary on societal norms and the behavior of individuals within intellectual circles.
Tags
knowledge · education · literature · philosophy · critique · society · intellect · wisdom · cognition · analysis · insight · discourse