An Intertextual Reading Of Middlemarch

George Eliot is such a well-known novelist of the English Victorian Age that sheoccupies an important position in British literature. Although she has remained one of thecentral focuses of public attention, few people have attempted to study her novels from theperspective of the theory of Intertextuality. Based on the achievements of the scholars both athome and abroad, this thesis will adopt a fresh approach to examine George Eliot’sbest-known novel Middlemarch in the light of Intertextuality and Genette’s paratext theory.As it is quite obvious, Eliot’s novels, Middlemarch in particular, are great creations whichcontain a variety of allusions to and intertextual relationships with the ancient Greekmythology, other writers’ works, the other works by the author herself, and as well as thecurrent social background of England, etc. This is what the present research is undertaking todo, which may enlarge our vision into the artistic complexity of Middlemarch as a piece of art,and which can also greatly help the readers gain a much better understanding of the author’sdeep concern with society and human nature.This thesis consists of six parts. The introduction part will provide brief informationabout George Eliot and give a thorough explanation of the origin and development of thetheory of Intertextuality. Meanwhile, it makes a critical review of the previous studies onMiddlemarch to illustrate the significance of intertextual interpretation into Middlemarch inthis thesis.Chapter One, based on Genette’s paratext theory, and by taking into consideration theparatext that has intertextual relationship with the text, analyzes how the title, epigraph,prelude and the finale at the intertextual level are related with the text, which shows Eliot’srich knowledge of literature, her enthusiasm and brilliant skills of poetry creation.Chapter Two concentrates on the analysis of the intertextual relationships betweenMiddlemarch and the author’s other works, specifically manifested in the aspect of female andmale characters and in the theme regarding religion, indicating Eliot’s pursuit and praise of“goodness”. Chapter Three aims to interpret the intertextual relationships between the main charactersand the prototypes in the ancient Greek myths, showing the influence of Greek myths onMiddlemarch and constructing a relationship between the provincial town Middlemarch withGreece.Chapter Four discusses the relationships between Middlemarch and the current socialconditions of the Victorian Age in England. Middlemarch is involved with the rural life inEngland before the1832Reform Act, and it reflects the influence of the Industrial Revolution.Meanwhile, the writing of the novel is also affected by the literary tradition of the VictorianAge, which shows Eliot’s care for the poor class.The final part summarizes the intertextual techniques employed by George Eliot inMiddlemarch, which help reveal the author’s creative talent and the deep implications in thisnovel.