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1. Why does the author choose to write this novel?

Eliot believed that good deeds often went unnoticed, and even when the deeds were noticed, the doer rarely received credit. Eliot wants to see noble people rewarded for their charitable acts. The character of Dorothea represents this idea.

2. Compare and contrast the Brooke sisters.

Dorothea is pious, selfless, and performs charitable work; she has strong opinions and is not afraid to voice them. Her altruistic ideals and strong-willed actions are somewhat intimidating to her sister Celia who is pretty and docile and fits in better with the idea of how a Victorian woman should behave.

3. Why does Casaubon propose to Dorothea?

Their relationship is based on a shared love of learning. He proposes to Dorothea because, he confesses, she is probably his last chance to wed.

4. Describe how Dorothea, Mr. Brooke, and Celia, respectively, feel about Dorothea's engagement to Casaubon.

Dorothea is excited about marrying Casaubon and believes she will be happy with him because she thinks he could give her a better education than she could ever receive on her own. She also wants to help him with his research to benefit society. Mr. Brooke does not approve of the union, because he thinks Casaubon is too old for Dorothea; however, feeling that he did his duty by voicing his objections, he respects Dorothea's wishes and endorses the marriage. Celia also does not approve of the engagement, because she finds many of Casaubon's habits annoying. She questions Dorothea on the wisdom of her decision to accept the proposal.

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