Q 2:
Discuss George Eliot’s art of characterization
with special reference to “Adam Bede’.
Answer:
In novel writing, like the dramatic
art the significance of characterization cannot be denied. Particularly the
modern novelists lay great emphasis on the true and forceful delineation of
characters. The great the quality of characterization, the higher is the
appeal of fiction writing. This is exactly what we find in almost all the great
writings of
George Eliot
. She is rightly credited with
introducing an almost revolutionary change in the delineation and presentation
of characters. The novelists of later generation have fully acknowledged
the greatness of
George Eliot
in this regard.
D. H Lawrence, one of the most influential modern novelists pays tribute to
George Eliot in the following words:
“It was she who started it all; it
was she who started to put all the action inside her characters.”
George Eliot’s skill in
characterization is now fully recognized, though it is generally believed that
this mastery is exhibited only in
“Middlemarch” and more
particularly in the
“Mill on the
Floss”.
To some degree Eliot’s matchless skill
is shown equally well in “Adam Bede”, her first full length novel. Even here her
characters are made perfectly credible and their motives are fully established.
It has been mentioned by many critics that she exposes all the complex feelings
of spirit that strike at the doors of disturb conscious. She describes the
action before it is committed. She reveals the actions when they are taking
shape into the hearts. When they are committed their ugliness is exposed. For
instances, the character of
Arthur is the best
example of the change brought in by the novelist herself. In portraying this
particular character, she lays bare all the conscious as well as semi-conscious
emotions which compel him to action. We see the working of his inner most
mind. The characterization in “Adam Bede” is absolutely vivid and
memorable. In the words of a modern critic,
“There is not a single character in
the novel which is not perfectly
drawn, even if the portrait is but a sketch still it is a true one.
Even the character of Mr. Irwin, the person, is very carefully drawn and
plays a very impressive role in the final predicament of Hetty. His
religious learning has made him a very sensible and caring figure. The
sufferings and agonies of humanity seem to him his own sufferings. He
extends full cooperation to anybody who undergoes injustice, oppression and
unfair treatment. Even such a minor character finds full opportunity to
make a mark on the readers.”
The other critic, Hennery
James and Gerald Bullet have found some irregularities in the characterization
in “
Adam Bede
”. For example, it is their belief
that the major characters like Adam and Dinah do not arouse the
desired interest. They also claim that the character of Mrs. Poysers has been
over praised. Both these critics are unanimous in their opinion that Hetty has
been the most successful creation of all the characters. Her innocence, great
interest in life, her sharing capability, and great interest in human psyche and
her free and frank attitude in all matters of life make her a very complete
character, the most suitable for the modern day fiction. The whole gallery
of characters, from major to minor, has been beautifully projected to
create desired effect. The perfection and imperfection of the personalities of
different characters make a wonderful sense of literary triumph by the great
novelist. The peak of characterization becomes self-evident when we glance at
the variety of characters, roles they perform and the inner coordination that
they exhibit at every level. The psychological pattern of inner thinking is the
hallmark of special gift of characterization of George Eliot. The complex feelings
keep on adding to the overall effect and the thematic interpretations of the
different segments of the plot. The collective picture that emerges out
of this fine blend of action and characterization is a gem indeed. No
other novelist of George
Eliot’s era can claim to have produced such marvelous interlink and
psychological treatment at such an artistic level. Characterization is
definitely a special feature of George Eliot’s art of novel writing, which
is difficult to surpass.
To conclude, it can be said with
absolute confidence that the writing of George Eliot are full of
unique characters which are larger than life. The typical flavour of
George Eliot’s own personality gives
colour and broader dimension to her characters. The matchless characters are
the proud product of strong mind of the writer.
Adam, Hetty, Dinah and few others testify this reality.
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