"George Eliot's ambition - to create a world and portray a whole community--tradespeople, middle classes, country gentry--in the rising fictional provincial town of Middlemarch, circa 1830. Vast and crowded, rich in narrative irony and suspense, "Middlemarch" is richer still in character and in its sense of how individual destinies are shaped by and shape the community." Powell's Book Review

1. Why would Eliot choose the story of St. Theresa's thirst for "an epic life of spiritual grandeur" as the Prelude to Middlemarch? In what way does it prepare us for what lies ahead for Dorothea Brooke?

2. A.S.Byatt says "Eliot's people were appallingly ambitious and greedy.. not always for .. power..(but) to use their minds to the full, to discover something, to live on a scale where their life felt valuable from moment to moment." Do you see examples of such "greed" in the opening chapters of Middlemarch?

3. What assumptions do the different people in the opening chapters make about women's minds? Is there anyone who sees Dorothea as she is? Does Eliot treat her with sympathy or ridicule?

4. Do you find the contrasting descriptions of the sisters to be realistic? Are the psychological contradictions in Dorothea's character believable? Do you know people like this?

5. What are some of Dorothea's childish ideas about marriage? Do they differ from those of most young girls? Was she aware of larger political or social implications in choosing Casaubon over Chettam?

1. Should the unexpected discoveries about one another during their "pre-matrimonial acquaintanceship" be cause for concern or second thoughts? How do Dorothea and Rev. Casaubon readjust their expectations for the marriage?

2. Do you begin to sense the "autumnal" aspects of the novel when Dorothea first visits Casaubon's home? What is her reaction to Lowick? Why was it considered a mistake to turn down his invitation to do some redecorating?

3. What problems did the three young men, Will Ladislaw, Fred Vincy and Tertius Lydgate have in common concerning their future? How did they handle their respective situations? What did these young men think of someone like Dorothea Brooke?

4. Did you notice Dr. Lydgate scrutinizing the young ladies, Dorothea Brooke, Mary Garth and Rosamund Vincy? What does he look for in a wife? What impression did each make on him? On you?

5. What are we told by the 'authorial voice' about the upward and downward movemnt on the social ladder in this old provincial society? Why was Mrs. Cadwallader critical of Mr. Brooke's dinner party guest list? Did the individuals introduced at this party come to life for you or do you find them to be caricatures?

1. Are you surprised that the powerful banker, Bulstrode frames his decisions in religious terms and the Rev. Farebrother does not? Are these characters believable? Do you sense these associations will be helpful to Lydgate in the future or rather a cause for concern?

2. How do Lydgate's dreams and ambitions compare with Dorothea's? Do you see his two-part, five year plan for the future to be practical or idealistic? Or both?

3. What do you see in Lydgate's character that might lead him to fail or to succeed? Why do you think Eliot included the earlier episode with Laure in Paris?

4. How does the "authorial voice" view the growing relationship between Lydgate and Rosamond? How is it similar to or different from Dorothea and Casaubon's relationship?

5. How do the Middlemarchers view the reform measures? Are they ready for change? Do you sense a divide? Where does Lydgate really stand?

1. What do we learn of the controversy in Middlemarch from the committee meeting scene? What caused Lydgate to "wince" following his tie-breaking vote for Mr. Tyke? Do you think this will affect his future in Middlemarch?

2. What are some of the discoveries Dorothea and Casaubon make about one another during this so called honeymoon? What new insights does Eliot provide about each of these characters?

3. Were you surprised at the portrayal of Rome as a center of art, rather than of history and antiquities? Do you think the references to German art and letters significant? Why does Will think Dorothea should learn German?

4. What do Dorothea and Casaubon’s reaction to the art of Rome tell you about them? Do you think that Elliot is speaking through either of them?

5. How does Will Ladislaw both lift and dash Dorothea's spirits? What does the way the three of them interact tell us about Dorothea, Casaubon and Will and what are the implications for the future?

1. What is Eliot saying with her portrayal of Fred's character? Does he represent a type? Is she sympathetic to his weaknesses? Is he capable of change? Does he represent a type?

2. How does Caleb Garth's work ethic compare to Dr. Lydgate's? Can you explain his conflicting feelings towards Fred?

3. Why does Mary's attitude towards Fred suddenly soften after he confesses and then asks her to approach Featherstone for the money? Do you believe, as Fred does, that her attitude would change towards him if he inherited the estate?

4. Why does Dr. Wrench's accusation that he is using tricks and quackery to gain a reputation cause Dr. Lydgate to "smart"? Do you know if typhoid fever was rampant in England at this time? Is it surprising that Dr. Lydgate can "cure everyone" as Rosemund tells her mother?

5. What signs of weakness do you see in Lydgate's resolve to steer clear of Middlemarch affairs, including a romantic attachment?

1. How have the honeymooners adapted to their daily routine at home in Lowick? Has Dorothea found new purpose? How does she fill her days? Does the epigram preceding Chapter XXVIII suggest the pair will grow closer?

2. Why does the author directly admonish her readers for extending all of our sympathies to "poor Dorothea?" Is Eliot justifying "poor Casaubon's" disappointment in the marriage? What are the chances he will accomplish his new mission to replace the Key to All Mythologies before he dies? Does Eliot change your opinion or feelings toward him?

3. How would you describe the intensity of that first meeting between Lydgate and Dorothea? Do you sense that her anxiety stems from guilt rather than loving concern for her husband? What is the impact of her appeal on the otherwise detached Dr. Lydgate?

4. Was Lydgate's boast that he reads no literature as he puts down Ned Plymdale's "Keepsake" gift just a form of flirtation, or do you think he meant it as an indication of his superior mind? Was Mrs. Bulstrode's intervention the catalyst that "shocked Lydgate and Rosamond into love?"

5. How does Eliot's combination of the comic and the funereal serve to intensify the deathbed scene? Why is Mary Garth so adamant in her refusal to follow Featherstone's request?

1. What did Eliot achieve by bringing together every level of society to Featherstone's carefully orchestrated funeral? Why were the Casaubons present? Why should this day forever be an overwhelmingly unpleasant memory for Dorothea?

2. Had Mary burned the second will as Featherstone requested, how would the assembled relations have reacted? Do you have any ideas why Featherstone had two wills drawn up? Who is this Joshua Rigg who inherited the property? Why did Fred's money go to the Alms' Houses?

3. How does the death of George IV and the passage of the Reform Bill affect the citizens of Middlemarch? Which do you think impacts the Vincy's more, the Reform Bill or Featherstone's will?

4. How does Lydgate rely "a bit too heavily on the psychological difference between goose and gander...the submissiveness of goose to strength of gander?" Do his actions belie his words on despising extravagance and concern for the poor?

5. Shouldn't Dorothea's conviction in her husband's strength of character to do the right thing for Will be enough to allay her husband's suspicions? What effect did her request to alter his will have on Casaubon?

1. What motivates Dorothea's uncle Brooke to run for Parliament? Do you think he fits the definition of a "retrogressive," which the Trumpet has labelled him? Does he stand a chance of winning the nomination in Middlemarch?

2. Does Will's ardor cool after his conversation with Dorothea about her beliefs and views on good and evil? What were your own reactions to what she told him? Do you hear echos of the Prologue in her speech?

3. How do the repercussions of Featherstone's will draw the Garths, Fred, Farebrother, Bustrode, Brooke and Rigg into Eliot's intricate web interlacing the desire for property with the need for land reform? What do you think of Rigg at this point?

4. For what reason does Casaubon ask about his health and physical condition now? What is Dr. Lydgate able to tell him with the aid of his new and improved Laennec stethoscope? How will learning of this prognosis affect Casaubon's course of action?

5. Was her husband's chilly, wooden response to Dorothea's attempt to take his arm, understandable, considering the news he had just received from Dr. Lydgate? Did you find her angry reaction a bit self-centered? Why did she wait up for him, and put her hand in his as the curtain came down on Book IV?

1. What effect does the contrast between Dorothea and herself have on Rosamond? On Will? How does he misinterpret Dorothea's sudden wish to depart rather than wait for Dr. Lydgate?

2. Does the Middlemarch medical profession blackball the new Fever Hospital because of jealousy of Lydgate's success or resentment of Bulstrode's tight control? Do you blame them? Can the hospital succeed without their support?

3. What does Eliot accomplish by using humor in her portrayal of his patients' views of Dr. Lydgate's healing powers? Does Lydgate see impending danger in their increasingly high expectations? (Does he see the storm clouds gathering at home?)

4. What common interests bring Will Ladislaw and Dr. Lydgate together? Can either one of them succeed in his determination to work for an employer and maintain independence and integrity at the same time?

5. Can Will's appearance in the church that morning have anything to do with Casaubon's attempt to extract a promise from Dorothea without telling her what it is? Has she made a binding promise in her decision to do whatever it is he wishes, even though she has never voiced it to him?

1. What metamorphosis does Dorothea undergo upon learning the contents of her husband's will? Is it important to know just when Casaubon added the codicil to determine whether it was based on irrational jealousy or something else? Is Dorothea aware of the timing?

2. What influenced Dorothea to choose Farebrother over the "apostolic man," Mr. Tyke, to take her husband's place as Rector of Lowick, even after learning of his weaknesses and enemies?

3. What effect does Casaubon's will have on Will Ladislaw, though he is still unaware of its contents? Do you see a parallel between Will and Fred as they face the uncertain future?

4. In what ways are Rev. Farebrother and Fred Vincey alike? Is Mary Garth aware of Farebrother's interest when she explains her feelings for Fred?

5. What is the possible connection between Joshua Rigg-Featherstone and Bulstrode? Do you perceive an unlawful or sinful act in Bulstrode's past that would explain his self-denial (atonement?) and his blackmail payments to Raffles? What is the cliff-hanger at the end of Book V, The Dead Hand?

1. Why did Dorothea return to live at Lowick? Did she have other options? Do you see her playing "drama queen" living alone among Mr. Casaubon's notebooks, as Mrs. Cadwallader fears?

2. Isn't it strange that Will, a newpaperman, has not heard a word of the codicil to Casaubon's will? Will Dorothea and Will continue to misinterpret one another's words and motives? Is this poor communication a pattern with them?

3. How do the people of Middlemarch view the coming of the railway? Which "two persons dear to Caleb Garth" will be affected?

4. How do the two mothers, Mrs. Vincy and Mrs. Garth, react to the news that Fred is in love with Mary and intends to do well so that she will accept him? Does she convince Fred there is no one else for her but him? Is she herself convinced of this?

5. What is the contrast between the eldest Garth son, Christy, just returned from school, and Fred Vincy and how do the two young men react to each other?

6. What is the real problem in the Lydgate marriage? Has either of them changed since their courting days? What has Lydgate learned of the perfect woman he married? Do you think she'd kill him because she wearied of him?

1. What did she hope to accomplish when Rosamond told Will that Dorothea liked him better than the property and that she expected to see the two of them marry soon? Was the codicil the miracle that might keep Will from leaving Middlemarch?

2. How has Bulstrode managed to justify his questionable financial dealings over the years, to "pad his moral insensitivity like spiderwebs?" (Did you notice other references to spiders in these chapters?)

3. "A man who believes in something besides his own greed has a conscience." Does Bulstrode's conscience urge him to repent for his reprehensible actions regarding Mrs. Dunkirk and her daughter, or is it the fear of exposure that moves him to contact Will?

4. Why did Will refuse Bulstrode's attempt at restitution? Did he show real character in turning down the offer, or did the thought of telling Dorothea about his family prevent him from taking the money? Does it seem that Will might be the rightful recipient of two fortunes?

5. How did the gossip about Will and Rosamond, leaked by that "blackamoor," Mrs. Cadwallader, contribute to the last misunderstanding between the star-crossed lovers? How can Dorothea come away from this final farewell with "the sense of loving and being loved?" Does Will feel the same? Is it truly over between them now?

1. Hasn't Lydgate done a remarkable job in setting up the new cholera ward, considering his financial distractions? Perhaps he will be rewarded in the future? Why can he not bring himself to open up to Farebrother's invitation to talk? Does he have anyone he can talk to?

2. Is it understandable that Rosamond is unhappy and mortified with her husband's plans and wishes to seek alternatives to the public embarrassment he is contemplating? Were her obstinancy and defiance unheard of at this time?

3. What hold does Rosamond have over her husband? Though he considers her "almost an animal, a feebler species," how has she mastered him?

4. What is Fred's reaction when he finds Lydgate gambling at billiards in the Green Dragon? What brings Fred there? Will Farebrother's sacrifice be the factor that turns his life around, though Fred suspects Farebrother to be the better man, who would make a fine husband for Mary?

5. Why does Lydgate consider approaching Bulstrode for help, worse than opium, worse than gambling, worse than approaching his uncle, Sir Godwin? What is Bulstrode's shocking response when he tells him of his financial straits? Is there any cause for optimism?

1. What is Bulstrode more afraid of, eternal damnation or the threat of public exposure? What gave him the strength to stand up to Raffles' extortionary attempts? Why is Raffles so frightened? Who do you suppose might be hunting him?

2. How does Bulstrode see himself a victim when Caleb Garth confronts him about Will's inheritance? Do you think Caleb too harsh in his condemnation? Is there any way for Bulstrode to repent and be pardonned for past sins?

3. Were Bulstrode's decisions regarding Lydgate's orders in caring for Raffles inevitable, or were his moments of decision out of character, the turning points in his life? Has he destroyed his self-image or will he be able to justify himself?

4. Does Lydgate suspect Bulstrode's motive or wrongdoing regarding Raffles' care? Would he have been more questioning if he had not accepted the loan?

5. Was Dorothea's determination to clear Lydgate unexpected? How could she or Lydgate clear his name? Do you think Bulstrode would help, or make things worse?

1. If Dorothea's belief that "people are always better than neighbors think," is true, then how can Lydgate's character speak for him and clear him in their minds? What is Farebrother's view of the reliability of judging a man by his character? Does he suspect Lydgate may have taken a bribe in desperation?

2. Had he not accepted that loan, how does Lydgate say he would have reacted to Raffles' death? Does he believe that Bulstrode's disobedience to his orders caused the death? Why is he determined to stand by Bulstrode, rather than attempt to acquit himself?

3. Consider the supreme irony in the difference between Harriet and Rosamond's unspoken response to the scandal and their realization that they must share in their husbands' disgrace and isolation.

4. Compare Rosamond's response to the suspicions that threaten to ruin her husband's reputation with Dorothea's. Why does Lydgate waiver in his belief that he might continue at the hospital?

5. What faults in Dorothea's character are revealed? Has she been informed of Will's family background? Are her feelings for him affected in any way?

1. Which was the more pitiable of the two, Will or Rosamond, when Dorothea walked in on them? Was Will’s uncharacteristic anger toward Rosamond justified?

2. After her night on the cold floor, what causes Dorothea , "to wake with her soul liberated from all conflict," to come to terms with a future without Will and put aside her mourning clothes to face Rosamond?

3. Both Dorothea and Rosamond have had their dreams shattered. What was the turning point in this scene? Does it flow from what we know of their characters, or does it represent change?

4. Throughout the novel we have worried that Dorothea and Will are unable to communicate. How is this problem resolved in the final scene between them? Was it too abrupt a turning point to be believable? (Did the lightning have anything to do with it?)

5. Farebrother, Dorothea and Harriet have shown extraordinary depth of character and self-sacrifice for the good of others. Are they entirely believable to you? But Eliot also makes two of the “worst” characters, Rosamund and Bulstrode, the instruments of happiness for others. What is she saying with this device? Does it work dramatically? Psychologically?

1. Is it possible that Eliot has written a happy ending in Book 8 to satisfy the expectations of her readers and then used the Finale to express her own views on the limitations placed on an individual's ability to order his own future?

2. "Every limit is a beginning as well as an ending." What does Eliot mean by this comment? Is the ending in Book 8 necessarily the ending of her characters' life story. What do you see in the future for the characters she doesn't follow - Farebrother, the Bulstrodes??

3. Does Eliot answer our question? Does she believe people capable of change? Which characters do you see have changed, which not? What made the difference?

4. Was it significant that both Fred and Rosamond's marital futures depended on extraordinary acts of kindness by Dorothea and Farebrother? Did Mary choose Fred over Farebrother for reasons similar to those Dorothea chose Will over her own dreams?

5. Did you find any real surprises in the Finale or did everyone continue on the course they had chosen at the end of the novel? If Dorothea and Lydgate are the central characters of the novel, what conclusions does Eliot draw on their ability, on the ability of the individual to choose his own destiny?