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Middlemarch

by George ELIOT (1819 - 1880)

Chapter 51

The book examines the role of education in the lives of the characters and how such education and study has affected the characters. Rosamond Vincy's finishing school education is a foil to Dorothea Brooke's religiously-motivated quest for knowledge. Rosamond initially admires Lydgate for his exotic education, and his intellect. A similar dynamic is present in Dorothea and Casaubon's relationship, with Dorothea revering her new husband's intellect and eloquence. In both cases, however, the young wives' expectations of their husbands intellects are not reflected in reality. Despite extreme erudition, Mr. Casaubon is afraid to publish because he believes that he must write a work that is utterly above criticism. In contrast, Lydgate at times arrogantly flaunts his knowledge, making enemies with his fellow physicians. He regards the residents of Middlemarch with a certain amount of contempt stemming from his belief that the townspeople are backwards and uninteresting. However, his education has not included tact and politicking, skills necessary in a small town but are seen by Lydgate as below him, the brilliant doctor. (summary from Wikipedia)

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Listen next episodes of Middlemarch:
Chapter 52 , Chapter 53 , Chapter 54 , Chapter 55 , Chapter 56 , Chapter 57 , Chapter 58 , Chapter 59 , Chapter 60 , Chapter 61 , Chapter 62 , Chapter 63 , Chapter 64 , Chapter 65 , Chapter 66 , Chapter 67 , Chapter 68 , Chapter 69 , Chapter 70 , Chapter 71 , Chapter 72 , Chapter 73 , Chapter 74 , Chapter 75 , Chapter 76 , Chapter 77 , Chapter 78 , Chapter 79 , Chapter 80 , Chapter 81 , Chapter 82 , Chapter 83 , Chapter 84 , Chapter 85 , Chapter 86 & Finale