Political Change and the Home View: Felix Holt, Middlemarch

Abstract

George Elio’s own political stance was guarded rather than committed. Her writings provide much both of comfort and of discomfort for those of opposing political views. She is quick to point out the inconsistencies of the politically active while coming down equally hard on the politically apathetic. Acutely conscious of the moral complexity of contentious issues, she has an evolutionist’s patience when it comes to reform. She finds humour in the inadequacies of political debate, and tends to judge political failure as deserved. Always tolerant, however, and searching for the positive she offends very few in this area, disappoints some and genuinely amuses most of her readers.