Installing Middlemarch: The Early Life of Mary Ann Evans

Mary Ann Evans, better known by her pen name George Eliot, is one of the most renowned writers of the Victorian era. Her life was marked by a strong desire to learn and explore, which ultimately led her to become a prominent figure in English literature.

Born in 1819 at a farmstead in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, Mary Ann was the youngest child of her family. As the favorite of her father's, she received a good education for a young woman of her time. This upbringing had a profound impact on her future as a writer.

Mary Ann's early life was also shaped by her interactions with influential figures in her community. Through a family friend, she was introduced to Charles Hennell's book 'An Inquiry into the Origins of Christianity', which sparked her interest in philosophy and theology. Her favorite governess also played a significant role in shaping her religious views, as she became an evangelical Christian during her adolescence.

Despite her strong faith, Mary Ann struggled with believing in certain aspects of religion. As she grew older, she found it increasingly difficult to reconcile the teachings of Christianity with her rational thinking. Eventually, she made the decision to give up her faith and stop attending church services.

Mary Ann's early literary endeavors included writing religious poems, which were published under her own name. Her work was well-received, but it was her later novels, written under the pseudonym George Eliot, that brought her widespread acclaim.

Middlemarch, one of her most famous works, is a testament to her skill as a writer and her ability to explore complex themes and characters. The novel follows the lives of several individuals in a fictional English town during the early 19th century, offering insights into the social norms and cultural attitudes of the time.

In conclusion, Mary Ann Evans' early life was marked by a curiosity for learning and exploration, which ultimately led her to become one of the most prominent writers of the Victorian era. Her experiences and influences shaped her as a writer, allowing her to produce works that continue to captivate readers today.

Instaling Middlemarch