silas marner

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silas marner - Smarr Publishers

Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
Silas Marner
by Robert W. Watson
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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Silas Marner / 1
S
Introduction to Silas Marner
ILAS MARNER has a rather straight-forward plot. However, the novel employs
sufficient drama and suspense to maintain the reader’s interest. George Eliot wrote
about the way of life that she knew best—the English countryside with the small towns
and villages. This novel will give you an insight of the manner of living among country folks in
England during the early nineteenth century. While a writer to be emulated, George Eliot marks
a life of weak, moral character.
On November 22, 1819, Mary Ann Evans (later known as George Eliot) was born at Arbury
Hall Farm in England. After losing her mother at the age of 17, Evans moved back home to
keep house for her father. At her father’s insistence, Evans received a strict religious education.
From the age of seventeen, Evans was self-taught, and after reading the rationalist philosophers,
particularly Descartes, she rebelled against her father and the Christian faith in general.
While she was an editor of the Westminster Review, Evans met many literary figures of the
day. After falling in love with George Lewes—a philosopher, critic, scientist, and married—
Evans became his mistress for many years. By 1856, Evans (now George Eliot) began writing
fiction. The Sad Fortunes of the Reverend Amos Barton was the first of many of Eliot’s books.
This book was followed by Scenes from Clerical Life. Some of her more famous works include
Adam Bede (1859), Mill on the Floss (1860), and Silas Marner (1861). Later Eliot tried her
hand with poetry, and her works included The Spanish Gypsy (1868), Agatha (1869), and The
Legend of Jubal and Other Poems (1874). When George Lewes died in 1878, Eliot became a
recluse and stopped writing. In 1880 Eliot married John Cross, an American banker; but died
within the same year.
Evans began writing with the desire to show ordinary life—a homey realism if you will—to
the over stimulated tastes and expectations of her reading audience; but soon she developed her
true niche: “the drama of intellect and sensibility in strong and unusual characters.” Her stories
show lower class sensibility and suffering. Her characters are usually confronted with a crisis
whereby the true identity of the hero can be formulated. In determining what makes a hero,
Evans shows her typical Victorian substitution of humanistic values like social responsibility
for true, Christian virtue and grace. In 1980 during the Centennial anniversary of her death, a
memorial stone was placed for George Eliot in the poet’s corner of Westminster Abbey.
One thing that will be made apparent as you read Silas Marner is that there is a definite class
structure in place. The landholders enjoyed a great many privileges as well as respect. Tenants
of the squires and the town’s craftsmen were all in a lower class. Rank and privileges in Europe
often were determined by the accident of birth into the right family. This class structure is
clearly brought into conflict when Eppie must choose between Silas Marner and Godfrey Cass.
What is especially good about Silas Marner is the characters are believable and many of them
undergo personal and moral changes. Indeed, the most dynamic character, Silas Marner
himself, commands our interest, pity, and admiration throughout the novel.
The story is about injustice, the consequences of sin, and finally, the righting of wrong. This
novel is a step up from many other novels. Silas Marner is not for merely entertaining the
reader. George Eliot introduces a lot of intellectual content that is designed to make us reflect
and consider our own hearts. There is much to learn within the pages of this book. Read this
novel thoughtfully and carefully.
ROBERT W. WATSON
2 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
untrammeled adj.
protuberant adj.
wry adj.
benignity n.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. UNTRAMMELED : BLOCKAGE : :
(A) roguish : theft
(B) trampled : indentation
(C) tentative : anger
(D) dubious : doubt
(E) anonymous : identification
2. PROTUBERANT : BULGING : :
(A) jealous : jocose
(B) slovenly : tidy
(C) reckless : daring
(D) senile : clean
(E) ostentatious : dull
3. WRY : TWISTED : :
(A) giddy : fascinated
(B) insular : isolated
(C) copious : misplaced
(D) latent : arrived
(E) innocuous : resisted
4. BENIGNITY : PARDON : :
(A) folly : commendation
(B) rumor : panic
(C) remuneration : stipend
(D) scuffle : acceptance
(E) dainty : fodder
1.3 Reading Assignment: Silas Marner, chapters 1–2
1.4 Recall Questions
1. What was contained inside the bags that were carried by the men who “looked like the
remnants of a disinherited race”?
2. What is the “rich central plain” of England called?
Silas Marner / 3
3. What is Jem Rodney’s occupation?
4. Although the men of Raveloe said the same things about Marner after fifteen years, what
one additional thing had changed in their conversations?
5. From whom does Marner learn about the medicinal qualities of herbs?
6. What is the name of Marner’s friend in Lantern Yard?
7. What is Marner accused of doing, which brings about his being expelled from the church?
8. How is Marner’s guilt established?
9. To whom does Sarah get married?
10. Who is the “Unseen Love” that Marner does not think cared for him?
11. What do the townspeople of Raveloe call the foxglove potion that Marner gives to Sally
Oates?
12. What does Marner begin to do with the money that he earned from weaving?
13. In what does Marner keep his coins?
14. What item does Marner break that brought grief to his heart?
1.5 Critical Thinking

Ex[;aom jpw Eliot suggests that members of dissenter churches are hypocritical and
superstitious.
4 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
unctuous adj.
profusion n.
vacillation n.
prosaic adj.
1. UNCTUOUS : SINCERITY : :
(A) tactful : appropriateness
(B) immaculate : cleanliness
(C) sordid : filth
(D) modest : shamefulness
(E) grave : momentous
2. PROFUSION : SCARCITY : :
(A) harmony : discord
(B) partisan : politics
(C) aberration : dread
(D) parody : imitation
(E) trifle : response
3. VACILLATION : DECISIVENESS : :
(A) dictum : proverb
(B) cynic : suspicion
(C) debauchery : intemperance
(D) dearth : abundance
(E) ignominy : disgrace
4. PROSAIC : DULL : :
(A) illicit : lawful
(B) reclusive : social
(C) banal : ordinary
(D) contrived : truthful
(E) explicit : unclear
1. Who is the greatest man in Raveloe?
2. What does the poor think the rich has a right to?
Silas Marner / 5
3. Why does Godfrey want to see Dunsey?
4. To whom is Godfrey married?
5. Why is Godfrey’s marriage a complication in his life?
6. What is considered a “most desperate step, short of suicide”?
7. What is the name of Godfrey’s horse?
8. According to the narrator, what breeds hate even in those with the kindest nature?
9. As he comes close to Marner’s house, what idea does Dunsey get and almost returns to
Godfrey to tell him about it?
10. What happens to Wildfire during the hunt?
11. As Dunsey walks home, what does he hold in his hand?
12. How is Dunsey able to know that he is close to the Stone-pits?
13. What does Dunsey find and take with him into the darkness?
George Eliot (1819-1880)
6 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
contemptuous adj.
superfluous adj.
candor n.
transient adj.
1. CONTEMPTUOUS : FROWNING : :
(A) contrite : laughter
(B) genteel : walking
(C) plaintive : fawning
(D) loquacious : talking
(E) garrulous : sorrow
2. SUPERFLUOUS : SURPLUS : :
(A) economical : wastefulness
(B) dull : arrogance
(C) overwhelm : inundation
(D) resolute : apathy
(E) replete : empty
3. CANDOR : BIAS : :
(A) increment : pattern
(B) effusion : light
(C) martyr : conviction
(D) machination : honesty
(E) premise : assumption
4. TRANSIENT : PERMANENT : :
(A) acute : lovely
(B) meek : aggressive
(C) beguiled : fooled
(D) fervid : impassioned
(E) sedate : lazy
1. From whom does Marner received the pork as a gift?
2. Why does Marner not lock his door when he goes on his errand?
3. Whom does Marner suspect is the thief of his coins?
Silas Marner / 7
4. Where does Marner go to report the theft?
5. What does the landlord, Mr. Snell, always say?
6. According to Mr. Macey, who are the two groups of people that know everything “by
heart”?
7. What is strange about the stables on “Charity Land”?
8. Whom does Mr. Snell order to “lay hold” on Marner?
9. What does Marner offer Jem Rodney if he would just return his money?
10. After Marner tells his story to the listeners at the Rainbow, what does Marner tell Jem
Rodney?

Discuss the character flaws of Godfrey and Dunstan Cass.

Explain what the stolen gold symbolizes.
8 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
implacable adj.
duplicity n.
prevarication n.
resolute adj.
1. IMPLACABLE : CONCESSION : :
(A) impeccable : perfection
(B) saline : saltiness
(C) serene : restfulness
(D) peevish : patience
(E) opulent : wealth
2. DUPLICITY : TRUTH : :
(A) obscurity : darkness
(B) omniscience : power
(C) chronicle : letter
(D) complacence : discontentment
(E) acclamation : approval
3. FIB : PREVARICATION : :
(A) affirmation : joke
(B) note : exam
(C) bark : ship
(D) signal : flag
(E) felony : sentence
4. RESOLUTE : WAVER : :
(A) bereave : sorrow
(B) imbibe : consume
(C) hew : cut
(D) indulge : restrain
(E) sanctify : separate
1. What object is found “half sunk in the mud” that raises some speculation?
2. Who is supposedly the owner of this object?
3. What is Godfrey afraid that Dunsey has done with the money that he got for Wildfire?
Silas Marner / 9
4. Whom does Godfrey meet on the way to Batherley?
5. Who eats enough beef to “make a poor man’s holiday dinner”?
6. After Godfrey reveals that Dunsey spent the rent money and that he did not have the money
to give to his father, what does Squire Cass threaten to do to Dunsey?
7. What topic does Godfrey prefer that his father would “let the thing be, at present”?
8. How does Squire Cass decide to get the money owed to him?
9. How does the author define “Favorable Chance”?
10 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner
Lesson Five
5.1 Vocabulary
capacious adj.
impenetrable adj.
collateral adj.
irascibility n.
1. The Jefferson’s new 4,000 square-foot home was so _______________ that the living room
contained six sofas.
2. I’m always afraid to talk to John, because he gets so angry. I hope that he will grow out of
his _____________________.
3.
The duke thought that his castle was ___________________; but a traitor within showed a
secret entrance to the enemy troops.
4. The _______________________ evidence in the trial paralleled and supported Mr. Jones’
testimony
5.3 Reading Assignment: Silas Marner, chapter 10
1. Why did it not seem strange that Dunsey did not come home at first?
2. According to the narrator, what in Marner’s life offers “immediate purpose which fenced
him in from the wide, cheerless unknown”?
3. The neighbors try to cheer Marner by saying that he is no worse off than whom?
4. Why does Mr. Macey advise Marner to get a “Sunday suit”?
5. What were the folks called who would go to church “with greater, though still with
moderate, frequency”?
6. Who brings some lard-cakes to Marner?
7. What letters are in the cakes, and what do they mean? (See Notes)
8. Why does Marner tell Dolly that he never went to a church?
Silas Marner / 11
9. Why does Dolly continually call God, “Them”?
10. What Christmas carol does Aaron sing to Marner?
11. Who is absent from the Cass’s family party?
12. Who is Godfrey’s “importunate companion”?
5.5 Bonus Thoughts

I.H.S. was originally the Greek abbreviation for Jesus. The abbreviation is derived from the
Greek  with S for sigma, or IH The Latin I.H.S. actually should be I.E.S. Later,
the abbreviation was misunderstood to represent the Latin words, Iesus Hominum Salvator
(Jesus, Saviour of Men) and In Hoc Signo [Vinces] (In this sign, [thou wilt conquer])

No bells in Lantern Yard. Silas belonged to a dissenter group, more than likely of
Anabaptists. Anabaptists meet in simple buildings for preaching services. The buildings did
not have steeples or bell towers which explains why Lantern Yard did not have any bells.

Athanasian Creed is based on the Nicene creed in the early fifth century.
WHOEVER wills to be in a state of salvation, before all things it is necessary that he hold the
catholic faith, which except everyone shall have kept whole and undefiled without doubt he will
perish eternally. Now the catholic faith is that we worship One God in Trinity and Trinity in
Unity, neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the substance. For there is one Person of
the Father, another of the Son, another of the Holy Spirit. But the Godhead of the Father, of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is One, the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father
is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit; the Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the
Holy Spirit uncreated; the Father infinite, the Son infinite, and the Holy Spirit infinite; the
Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet not three eternals but one
eternal, as also not three infinites, nor three uncreated, but one uncreated, and one infinite. So,
likewise, the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Spirit almighty; and yet not
three almighties but one almighty. So the Father is God, the Son God, and the Holy Spirit God;
and yet not three Gods but one God. So the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit
Lord; and yet not three Lords but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by Christian truth to
acknowledge every Person by Himself to be both God and Lord; so are we forbidden by the
catholic religion to say, there be three Gods or three Lords. The Father is made of none, neither
created nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone, not made nor created but begotten. The
Holy Spirit is of the Father and the Son, not made nor created nor begotten but proceeding. So
there is one Father not three Fathers, one Son not three Sons, and Holy Spirit not three Holy
Spirits. And in this Trinity there is nothing before or after, nothing greater or less, but the whole
three Persons are coeternal together and coequal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the trinity
in Unity and the Unity in Trinity is to be worshipped. He therefore who wills to be in a state of
salvation, let him think thus of the Trinity. But it is necessary to eternal salvation that he also
believe faithfully the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The right faith therefore is that we
believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man. He is God of
the substance of the Father begotten before the worlds, and He is man of the substance of His
mother born in the world; perfect God, perfect man subsisting of a reasoning soul and human
flesh; equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, inferior to the Father as touching His
12 / Silas Marner
Manhood. Who although He be God and Man yet He is not two but one Christ; one however
not by conversion of the GodHead in the flesh, but by taking of the Manhood in God; one
altogether not by confusion of substance but by unity of Person. For as the reasoning soul and
flesh is one man, so God and Man is one Christ. Who suffered for our salvation, descended into
hell, rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, from
whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. At whose coming all men shall rise
again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works. And they that have done
good shall go into life eternal, and they who indeed have done evil into eternal fire. This is the
catholic faith, which except a man shall have believed faithfully and firmly he cannot be in a
state of salvation.

What allusions to the Bible are made in today’s readings?

Contrast the love for money and religious faith in Marner’s life.

Contrast the importance of religion to Marner and Dolly.
Silas Marner / 13
Silas Marner
Lesson Six
6.1 Vocabulary
exiguity n.
amiable adj.
aberration n.
facsimile n.
adroit adj.
1. Tom Canty was able to pass as the Prince of Wales because he was a _________________
of Edward.
2. The Jackson’s __________________ was clear when we saw that the family had only a
mattress and five wooden boxes in their home.
3. I had always thought that Jennifer was very graceful. But she was not at all ____________
when she fell off the stage during graduation.
4. I really enjoy Latin. Normally, I am an average student with average grades. However, my
“A” in Latin is an ________________ .
5. James is so hateful, which is different from his sister, Jane, who is so ____________ to
everyone.
6.3 Reading Assignment: Silas Marner, chapter 11
1. What does the narrator mean when she states that Mrs. Kimble had “a double dignity, with
which her diameter was in direct proportion?
2. Who are “dressed in the height of fashion”?
3. What is the only thing that the Miss Gunns could find to criticize Nancy after she is
appareled?
4. What does Priscilla say that causes the Miss Gunns to not appreciate her candor?
5. Priscilla states that God meant her to have what kind of life?
6. Who is among the “privileged villagers” to observe the festivities at the Red House?
7. Why do Godfrey and Nancy leave the dance?
8. Before Priscilla enters to help Nancy, what is Godfrey wishing would happen between
Nancy and him?
14 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner
Lesson Seven
7.1 Vocabulary
indolence n.
torpor n.
iterated adj.
misdemeanor n.
jocose adj.
1. After seeing wickedness prevail all of the time, citizens may fall into a _______________
and may quit participating in politics.
2. Tom likes to lay around in the shade of a tree while we work. We are becoming very angry
about his ______________________.
3. Friar Tuck was in a ______________ mood while he and the Black Knight sang cheerfully
in the monk’s hut.
4. My brother, Ricky, was soundly punished for his ________________, which ranged from
pouting to disobedience to Mom.
5. I went to the council meeting once again in order to ______________ my position against
the sidewalk tax.
1. What is the cause of Molly’s rags and never having enough money?
2. What does the empty vial (phial) contain that Molly throws away?
3. What does the toddler try to catch that leads her to Marner’s cottage?
4. Why does Marner not see the child as she came into his cottage?
5. At the Cass’s party, what event startles Godfrey?
6. For what purpose does Marner go to the Cass’s party?
7. What is ironic about Dolly’s statement to Godfrey, “you’re very good: you’ve a tender
heart.”
8. What does Godfrey give to Marner and for what reason?
Silas Marner / 15
9. In the village of Raveloe, who begin to have a “more active sympathy” for Marner?
10. Who is most acceptable to Marner when it comes to receiving instruction about the care of
the child?
11. If Marner is to be a good father, what does Dolly suggest that he must do concerning the
raising of the child?
12. What will be the little girl’s christened name and her nickname?
13. Dolly suggests that there are only two “penal methods” for correcting children. What are
these two methods?
14. Which method does not work when Eppie is punished for cutting the linen band and leaving
the cottage?
15. How is Eppie the link between Marner and the world?
16. The narrator suggests that those in “humble stations” are often happier than who?
7.5. Critical Thinking

What events prove to be providential which spoil Molly’s plan for revenge against Godfrey?

Regarding symbolism, what does Dunstan’s falling into the pit represent? What does Eppie
represent? What does Marner’s open door represent? Discuss.

Discuss how Dolly Winthrop represents the best of Raveloe’s people.

Discuss Marner’s cottage as a symbol.

Discuss how Marner was dead, but now has experienced a resurrection.
16 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner
Lesson Eight
8.1 Vocabulary
obstinate adj.
remonstrate v.
cogent adj.
reticence n.
tenacity n.
1. OBSTINATE : TRACTABLE : :
(A) tranquil : silence
(B) tyrannical : respectful
(C) intimate : estranged
(D) irreproachable : blameless
(E) languor : sluggish
2. REMONSTRATE : PETITION : :
(A) evoke : jury
(B) castigate : letter
(C) forbear : newspaper
(D) pardon : reprieve
(E) perjure : judgment
3. COGENT : CONVINCING : :
(A) cryptic : understandable
(B) exhaustive : thorough
(C) innate : developed
(D) ingenuous : deceptive
(E) vindictive : contented
4. RETICENCE : WILLINGNESS : :
(A) decorum : manners
(B) mammon : riches
(C) respite : restfulness
(D) imprecation : blessing
(E) deportment : conduct
5. TENACITY : PERSEVERING : :
(A) prudence : wasting
(B) repose : working
(C) lamentation : reveling
(D) discrimination : differentiating
(E) complacency : caring
Silas Marner / 17
1. What does Eppie want to have like Mrs. Winthrop?
2. Who offers to help with the project?
3. Why does the donkey decide to leave Eppie and Marner after arriving at their cottage?
4. Who provides furniture for the cottage?
5. What is Mr. Macey’s prediction concerning Marner’s money?
6. Why does Marner begin to smoke a pipe?
7. What story of his past does Marner finally reveal to Mrs. Winthrop?
8. What does Eppie wish to put in the corner of her garden?
9. As Eppie tries to lift a stone by the pit, what does she notice?
10. Whom does Eppie say wants to marry her?
11. What “drives” Priscilla “past patience”?
12. Nancy reveals that Godfrey is disappointed for what reason?
13. Why is there one small dress missing in a drawer of baby clothes that Nancy had made?
14. What reasons does Nancy have to oppose adopting a child?
15. Whom does Godfrey want to adopt?
16. What is Nancy’s chief comfort after refusing to have an adoption?

Explain how Marner’s character changes during today’s reading, especially with his
relationship with the townspeople and with his consent for Eppie to marry.
18 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner
Lesson Nine
9.1 Vocabulary
florid adj.
tremulous adj.
impetuous adj.
rectitude n.
compunction n.
1. Mr. Miller displayed a great deal of ____________________ when he determined which
boy should get the last cookie; since there were three boys and only one cookie, Mr.
Miller’s judgment was that he himself should eat it.
2. I knew that something was wrong with Sally. Now I understand her ___________________
the other day when I learned that she had stolen some money from her mother.
3. I could not believe the _________________ condition that my mother was in when my pet
snake got loose; she was shaking from head to toes.
4. I was impressed with the cathedrals in Europe; the architecture was very ornate, by far the
most ___________________ designs that I have ever seen.
5. It has always been a part of his ______________ nature to do crazy things; but when Jim
decided to roll down a hill in a shopping cart, he was showing less wisdom than valor.
9.3 Reading Assignment: Silas Marner, chapters 18–end
9.4 Recall Questions:
1. How do the folks in Raveloe know that the skeleton in the Stone-pit was that of Dunsey?
2. What causes great shame to fall upon the Cass family?
3. What does Nancy say is worth doing wrong for?
4. While she saw difficulty with Eppie coming to live with the Cass family, Nancy
nevertheless tells Godfrey that he has a responsibility to do what?
5. What does Godfrey offer to do for Eppie?
6. When Godfrey presents his claim that Eppie is his daughter, what argument does Marner
give to Godfrey?
7. What is the reason that Nancy suggests to Eppie that she should live with Godfrey and her?
Silas Marner / 19
8. After arriving back at Red House, Godfrey and Nancy decide what concerning the
announcing of his being the father of Eppie?
9. What trip does Marner want to take with Eppie?
10. What does Marner find that assures him that he is close to the place that he was searching
for?
11. What has replaced the chapel at Lantern Yard?
12. In Raveloe, what time of year is especially suitable for weddings?
13. Who provided Eppie’s wedding dress?
14. After the wedding, where do Marner, Aaron, and Eppie intend to live?
15. Why does Eppie have a larger garden than she expected?

Eppie states to Marner, “If it hadn’t been for you, they’d have taken me to the workhouse,
and there’d have been nobody to love me.” Do you agree with Eppie? Why or why not?.

Sin has consequences that reach far into the future. Explain how “having a good time” led to
Godfrey’s eventual guilt, shame, and frustrations of purpose in life.

Discuss how Eliot uses nature’s light and darkness throughout the novel.

Discuss the purpose for Marner’s returning to Lantern Yard. Consider what may or may not
have been accomplished by his visit.
20 / Silas Marner
Glossary for Silas Marner
aberration (²b”…-r³“sh…n) n. A deviation from the proper or expected course; a departure from
the normal or typical
adroit (…-droit“) adj. Dexterous; deft; skillful and adept under pressing conditions
amiable (³“m¶-…-b…l) adj. Friendly and agreeable in disposition; good-natured and likable;
cordial; sociable; congenial
benignity (b¹-n¹g“n¹-t¶) n. The quality or condition of being kind and gentle; a kindly or
gracious act
candor (k²n“d…r) n. Frankness or sincerity of expression; openness; freedom from prejudice;
impartiality
capacious (k…-p³“sh…s) adj. Capable of containing a large quantity; spacious or roomy
cogent (k½“j…nt) adj. Appealing to the intellect or powers of reasoning; convincing
collateral (k…-l²t“…r-…l) adj. Situated or running side by side; parallel; coinciding in tendency
or effect; concomitant or accompanying; serving to support or corroborate
compunction (k…m-p¾ngk“sh…n) n. A strong uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt; a sting of
conscience or a pang of doubt aroused by wrongdoing or the prospect of wrongdoing
contemptuous (k…n-tμmp“ch›-…s) adj. Manifesting or feeling contempt; scornful
duplicity (d›-pl¹s“¹-t¶) n. deliberate deceptiveness in behavior or speech; an instance of
deliberate deceptiveness; double-dealing
exiguity (μk”s¹-gy›“¹-t¶) n. The quality or condition of being scanty or meager
facsimile (f²k-s¹m“…-l¶) n. An exact copy or reproduction, as of a document
florid (flôr“¹d) adj. Flushed with rosy color; ruddy; very ornate; flowery
impenetrable (¹m-pμn“¹-tr…-b…l) adj. Impossible to penetrate or enter; impossible to
understand; incomprehensible
impetuous (¹m-pμch“›-…s) adj. Characterized by sudden and forceful energy or emotion;
impulsive and passionate; having or marked by violent force
implacable (¹m-pl²k“…-b…l) adj. Impossible to placate or appease
indolence (¹n“d…-l…ns) n. Habitual laziness; sloth
irascibility (¹-r²s“…-b¹l“¹-t¶) n. The quality of being prone to outbursts of temper; easily
angered; characterized by or resulting from anger
iterated (¹t“…-r³t”) adj. repeated
jocose (j½-k½s“) adj. Given to joking; merry; characterized by joking; humorous
misdemeanor (m¹s”d¹-m¶“n…r) n. A misdeed
obstinate (¼b“st…-n¹t) adj. Stubbornly adhering to an attitude, an opinion, or a course of action;
obdurate; difficult to manage, control, or subdue; refractory
prevarication (pr¹-v²r“¹-k³“sh…n) n. Evasion of the truth; equivocation; a lie
profusion (pr…-fy›“zh…n) n. The state of being profuse; abundance; lavish or unrestrained
expense; extravagance
prosaic (pr½-z³“¹k) adj. Consisting or characteristic of prose; matter-of-fact; straightforward;
lacking in imagination and spirit; dull
protuberant (pr½-t›“b…r-…nt) adj. Swelling outward; bulging
rectitude (rμk“t¹-t›d”) n. Moral uprightness; righteousness; the quality or condition of being
correct in judgment
Silas Marner / 21
remonstrate (r¹-m¼n“str³t”) v. To say or plead in protest, objection, or reproof
resolute (rμz“…-l›t”) adj. Firm or determined; unwavering
reticence (rμt“¹-s…ns) n. The state or quality of being reticent; reserve; the state or quality of
being reluctant; unwillingness
superfluous (s‹-pûr“fl›-…s) adj. Being beyond what is required or sufficient
tenacity (t…-n²s“¹-t¶) n. The state or quality of persevering, dogged determination
tremulous (trμm“y…-l…s) adj. Marked by trembling, quivering, or shaking; timid or fearful
torpor (tôr“p…r) n. A state of mental or physical inactivity or insensibility; apathy
transient (tr²n“sh…nt) adj. Passing with time; transitory; remaining in a place only a brief time
unctuous (¾ngk“ch›-…s) adj. Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness;
having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery
untrammeled (¾n-tr²m“…ld) adj. Not limited or restricted; unrestrained
vacillation (v²s“…-l³“sh…n) n. To sway from one side to the other; to swing indecisively from
one course of action or opinion to another
wry (rº) adj. Dryly humorous, often with a touch of irony; temporarily twisted in an
expression of distaste or displeasure
22 / Silas Marner
Silas Marner (Lessons 1–5)
Vocabulary Quiz #1
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. untrammeled
D. benignity
G. vacillation
J. superfluous
M. implacable
P. resolute
S. collateral
B. protuberant
E. unctuous
H. prosaic
K. candor
N. duplicity
Q. capacious
T. irascibility
1. _____ determined; unwavering
2. _____ easily angered; characterized by anger
3. _____ evasion of truth; a lie
4. _____ beyond what is sufficient
5. _____ dryly humorous
6. _____ deliberate deceit; double-dealing
7. _____ lacking in imagination or spirit; dull
8. _____ impossible to understand; incomprehensible
9. _____ not limited; unrestrained
10. _____ indecisiveness
11. _____ scornful
12. _____ spacious or roomy
13. _____ swelling outward; bulging
14. _____ unrestrained expense; extravagance
15. _____ impossible to placate or appease
16. _____ quality of being kind and gentle
17. _____ frankness; openness; impartiality
18. _____ remaining in a place only a brief time
19. _____ insincere earnestness
20. _____ side by side; parallel; serving to support
C. wry
F. profusion
I. contemptuous
L. transient
O. prevarication
R. impenetrable
Silas Marner (Lessons 6–9)
Vocabulary Quiz #2
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. exiguity
D. facsimile
G. torpor
J. jocose
M. cogent
P. florid
S. rectitude
B. amiable
E. adroit
H. iterated
K. obstinate
N. reticence
Q. tremulous
T. compunction
C. aberration
F. indolence
I. misdemeanor
L. remonstrate
O. tenacity
R. impetuous
1. _____ convincing
2. _____ determination
3. _____ given to joking; merry
4. _____ a sense of guilt
5. _____ inactivity; apathy
6. _____ marked by trembling or quivering
7. _____ misdeed
8. _____ moral uprightness
9. _____ departure from what is normal or typical
10. _____ habitually lazy; sloth
11. _____ reluctance; unwillingness
12. _____ likeable; cordial; sociable
13. _____ impulsive and passionate
14. _____ skillful under pressing conditions
15. _____ stubbornly adhering to an opinion or course of action
16. _____ exact copy or reproduction
17. _____ to plead in protest, objection, or reproof
18. _____ condition of being scanty or meager
19. _____ ruddy; ornate; flowery
20. _____ repeated
Answer Keys to Silas Marner
Vocabulary Exercise—Lesson 1
1. E
2. C
3. B
4. C
Lesson 1
1. Flaxen thread or spun linen was contained in the bags.
2. The “rich central plain” is called Merry England.
3. Rodney’s occupation was a Mole-catcher.
4. The new item was the men believed that Marner had a lot of money.
5. Marner learned his medicinal skills from his mother.
6. Marner’s closest friend was William Dane.
7. Marner was accused of stealing money from a dying deacon.
8. Marner’s guilt was established by the casting of lots.
9. Sarah marries William Dane.
10. God is the “Unseen Love.”
11. The potion was called “Marner’s stuff.”
12. Marner hid the money in the floor of his cottage.
13. Marner kept the coins in leather bags.
14. Marner broke a brown pot.
1. D
2. A
3. D
4. C
Lesson 2
1. The greatest man in Raveloe is Squire Cass.
2. The poor thought rich folks were entitled to a jolly life.
3. Godfrey want to get the money that Dunsey owed him.
4. Godfrey is married to Molly Farren.
5. The marriage is a secret, and Godfrey loves Nancy.
6. Enlisting as a soldier was a most desperate step.
7. Godfrey’s horse is named Wildfire.
8. The yoke that man creates by wrong-doing.
9. Dunsey decides to “borrow” the money from Marner.
10. The horse fell upon a fence post and was killed.
11. Dunsey holds a whip handle.
12. Dunsey saw the light from Marner’s cottage.
13. Dunsey finds and takes Marner’s gold with him.
1
1. D
2. C
3. D
4. B
Lesson 3
1. Marner receives the gift of pork from Miss Priscilla Lammeter.
2. Marner did not expect to be gone very long.
3. Marner suspects Jem Rodney to be the thief.
4. Marner goes to The Rainbow.
5. “You’re both right and both wrong.”
6. Parsons and doctors know everything by heart.
7. The stables on “Charity Land” are haunted.
8. Jem Rodney is order to hold Marner.
9. Marner offer Rodney a reward of a guinea.
10. Marner tells Rodney that he does not accuse him.
1. D
2. D
3. C
4. D
Lesson 4
1. The item in the mud was a tinder box.
2. A traveling peddler was supposedly the owner of the tinder box.
3. Godfrey was afraid that Dunsey had gambled the money away.
4. Godfrey meets Bryce on his way to Batherley.
5. Fleet, the deer-hound, ate the beef.
6. Squire Cass threatens to disinherit Dunsey.
7. The topic was his future marriage to Nancy.
8. Squire Cass decides to sell Dunsey’s horse.
9. “Favorable Chance” is the god of all men who follow their own devices instead of obeying
a law they believe in.
1. capacious
2. irascibility
3. impenetrable
4. collateral
Lesson 5
1. This was a common behavior of Dunsey not to return home at first.
2. The purpose was his gold.
3. Marner was no worse off than other poor folks.
2
4. Mr. Macey advises Marner to get a “Sunday suit” so that he can start coming to church and
“be a bit neighborly.”
5. These folks were call “good livers.”
6. Mrs. Dolly Winthrop brings lard-cakes to Marner.
7. The letters on the cakes were I.H.S.
8. Marner went to a “chapel” since he was a dissenter.
9. This is Dolly’s way of recognizing God as a Trinity.
10. Aaron sings “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen.”
11. Dunsey Cass was absent from the Cass family party.
12. Godfrey’s companion was Anxiety.
Vocabulary Exercise—6
1. facsimile
2. exiguity
3. adroit
4. aberration
5. amiable
Lesson 6
1. Mrs. Kimble is a very large woman.
2. These ladies were the two Miss Gunns.
3. Nancy’s hands showed signs of work.
4. Priscilla suggested that the Gunns were ugly.
5. Priscilla believed that God intended her to have an unmarried life.
6. Mr. Macey is one of the privileged villagers.
7. Nancy’s dress was torn during the dance.
8. Godfrey was hoping to get alone with Nancy in order to talk to her.
1. torpor
2. indolence
3. jocose
4. misdemeanors
5. iterate
Lesson 7
1. Molly was a drug addict.
2. The empty phial had contained opium.
3. The toddler tries to catch a beam of light from Marner’s cottage.
4. Marner was in one of his trances.
5. Godfrey sees Marner with his child.
6. Marner came to the party for the doctor.
7. Godfrey was hoping that his wife was dead, which is not tender at all.
8. Godfrey gives Marner a half-guinea for clothes for the child.
9. The women of the village begin to have a sympathy for Marner.
10. Dolly Winthrop was the most acceptable instructor.
3
11. Marner and the child must start going to church.
12. The girl’s christened name is Hephzibah; her nickname is Eppie.
13. The penal methods are spanking and being put in the coal-hole.
14. Being put in the coal-hole did not work on Eppie.
15. Eppie went with Marner everywhere he went, and the townspeople were very interested in
the girl and Marner.
16. Humble folks are often happier than those brought up in luxury.
1. C
2. D
3. B
4. D
5. D
Lesson 8
1. Eppie wants a garden like Mrs. Winthrop.
2. Aaron offers to help create the garden.
3. The donkey heard the bark of a dog.
4. Godfrey Cass provides furniture for the cottage.
5. Mr. Macey predicted that the gold belonging to Marner will return to him someday or the
robber will answer for it.
6. Tobacco was believed to help Marner with his trances.
7. Marner reveals to Mrs. Winthrop about his exclusion from the chapel by lots.
8. Eppie wishes to put the furze bush by which Eppie’s mother died in the corner of her
garden.
9. Eppie notices that the water level in the stone pit was receding.
10. Aaron wants to marry Eppie.
11. Priscilla is driven past patience by men always wanting and never being satisfied with what
they have.
12. Godfrey is disappointed, because they were never able to have children after the death of
their first born.
13. The dress was used to bury Nancy’s only child.
14. Adoption was disobey the will of God; the child would grow up to be curse to the family
and would bring heartache.
15. Godfrey wanted to adopt Eppie.
16. If Godfrey had married someone else, that wife may have vexed him in other ways than
Nancy had.
1. rectitude
2. compunction
3. tremulous
4. florid
5. impetuous
4
Lesson 9
1. By the skeleton were Dunsey’s watch and seals, as well as Godfrey’s riding whip.
2. The shame was the fact that Dunsey had stolen Marner’s money.
3. Nothing is worth doing wrong for.
4. Godfrey has a responsibility to reveal to Eppie that he is her father.
5. Godfrey offers to make Eppie a lady and to have her live in his home
6. Godfrey should have come to Marner immediately instead of waiting so long.
7. Eppie has a duty to be with her lawful father.
8. Godfrey and Nancy will remain silent about Godfrey’s relationship to Eppie.
9. Marner takes Eppie with him to Lantern Yard.
10. Marner locates the jail.
11. A large factory has replaced the chapel.
12. Spring was the time of year especially suitable for weddings.
13. Nancy provides Eppie’s wedding dress.
14. Marner, Aaron, and Eppie intended to live at the cottage near the stone-pits.
15. Godfrey provided for the garden.
5
Silas Marner
Quiz #1
Silas Marner
Quiz #2
1. P
2. T
3. O
4. J
5. C
6. N
7. H
8. R
9. A
10. G
11. I
12. Q
13. B
14. F
15. M
16. D
17. K
18. L
19. E
20. S
1. M
2. O
3. J
4. T
5. G
6. Q
7. I
8. S
9. C
10. F
11. N
12. B
13. R
14. E
15. K
16. D
17. L
18. A
19. P
20. H
6

silas marner - Smarr Publishers

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