A study of characterisation in the novels of George Eliot

153.
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fixed and clearly defined in advance. There is no room for the random
or the unexpect ed. Bet' ora, however, we examine this "1053 of marginality,"
87
in David Riesman's phrase, there is one aspect of George Eliot's belief
in moral growth which we have not yet discussed. :Many of the novels,
from Janet- s Repentance to Daniel Deronda, illustrate what George Eliot
refers to as lithe incalculable effect of one personality on another. II 88
Various struggling characters, always women, achieve moral groy~h as the
result of the influence of a character who is more morally sensitive.
These "mentor" 89 characters take on a priestly and confessional role
towards their pupils and offer them an ideal picture of themselves towards
which they can strive.
Let us now examine George Eliot's treatment of these mentor/pupil
relationships.