Discovering Compassion Through Vision: An Analysis of Silas Marner’s Eyes Anonymous 10th Grade

Are eyes windows to the soul? In Silas Marner, George Eliot describes the changes in Silas’ eyes in order to metaphorize the changes in Silas’ soul. In the beginning of the novel, Silas’ eyes are nearsighted, symbolizing his narrow view of life. However, by the end of the novel, Silas’ eyes conform to being farsighted, portraying his newfound appreciative and compassionate perspective. Silas’ eyes initially reveal his innocence; however, during the first 15 years in Raveloe, his eyes limit their focus to the accumulation of wealth, and they later regain “longer vision” when he opens his heart to love a child. In the beginning of the novel, Silas’ eyes reveal his fragility and vulnerability, and as the story progresses, his eyes represent his limited perspective on his community.

Silas’ fiance, church community, and William Dane, his former best friend, betray Silas before he moves to Raveloe. Eliot describes Silas’ gaze in order to portray his vulnerability towards Dane’s betrayal. Eliot describes Silas’ eyes by writing, “That defenceless, deer-like gaze which belongs to large prominent eyes” (6). Silas’ “defenceless, deer-like gaze” displays his fragile and gentle nature. Like a deer, Silas is vulnerable. His placid manner...