I am reading Middlemarch by George Eliot. It is taking me forever. It’s a real study in human psychology. One character named Mr. Casaubon is someone you learn to abhor, but also understand. His main problem is selfishness. He believes his personal project is a sacrifice for mankind, but really, his work serves to feed his ego. He doesn’t realize how his pride and selfishness taint his view of humanity. He misinterprets acts kindness as insults to his abilities. He is hyper-sensitive to suggestions, thinking they are criticisms. His focus on self shows the smallness of pride and the insecurity that follows. He’s such an interesting character.
Will not a tiny speck very close to our vision blot out the glory of the world, and leave only a margin by which we see the blot? I know no speck so troublesome as self.
-Middlemarch by George Eliot
Your comment about the smallness and resulting insecurity of pride reminded me of something Elder Perry said at General Conference last week. “People wrapped up in themselves make a very small package.” Too true 🙂
I recently came across this book at a used book store and bought it on a whim. I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet, though. Is it worth the read?
Sarah, I like the book, but it is a challenge because it requires some focus and time. I wanted to read it because I enjoyed the BBC movie on Netflix, although the heroine they cast is much too old. It turns out that the screenplay is very close to the book. Normally I wouldn’t recommend that you watch the movie first, but that may be a good way to decide if you’re interested. Something you won’t get from the movie is the author’s insights about character motivation and her satire about men’s views about women in 19th century England. (George Eliot is the pen name for Mary Ann Evans.) It’s not a quick read or even very entertaining, but full.