Free Will and Determinism in Eliot’s Middlemarch

Free will and determinism are two concepts that seem to stand at opposite ends of a philosophical spectrum, yet they are intricately connected in ways that can profoundly shape human lives and narratives. In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," this complex relationship is vividly illustrated through the lives of Dorothea Brooke and Edward Casaubon. Dorothea, an ambitious young woman, starts her journey as an orphan living with her uncle, Mr. Brooke. Despite the societal expectations of her time, which dictate that she should marry and settle down, Dorothea harbors a desire to improve the lives of others by designing new cottages for the poor tenants on her uncle's estate.

However, the societal pressures to marry are inescapable, and Dorothea finds herself captivated by Edward Casaubon, a much older scholar, whose discussions about his "great work" in philosophy and theology seem to promise the intellectual partnership she craves. Dorothea's swift decision to marry Casaubon is an exercise of her free will, yet it also raises questions about how free her choice truly is, given the deterministic forces at play in her life. This interplay highlights the crux of the narrative: how free will and determinism can coexist, shaping the characters' destinies in profound ways.

Determinism, as explored by George Eliot, is not synonymous with predestination. Instead, it suggests that current events and choices are influenced by a complex web of past actions and societal norms. In "Middlemarch," the interconnectedness of events and personal histories forms a rich tapestry that affects every character's present and future. George Levine's analysis in "Determinism and Responsibility in the Works of George Eliot" encapsulates this by arguing that "every event has its causal antecedents," and that Eliot's universe is one where "all parts are intricately related to each other."

Eliot's deterministic worldview suggests that individuals are inexorably linked to their past, and this connection influences their present decisions. The idea that one cannot easily sever ties with one's past or community speaks to the inherent complexity of human relationships and society. In this context, free will is not absolute; rather, it is exercised within the constraints imposed by one's history and environment. This raises a fundamental question: is free will an illusion, a construct we use to assert our individuality in a world governed by deterministic laws?

Dorothea's decision to marry Casaubon, while ostensibly an act of free will, is heavily influenced by her circumstances and aspirations. In the 19th-century context of "Middlemarch," Dorothea's options were limited by societal expectations and gender roles. Her choice reflects not only her personal desires but also the pressures and limitations imposed by her environment. She seeks intellectual fulfillment and a sense of purpose, believing Casaubon can provide these. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that her choice was based on an idealized vision rather than reality.

Casaubon's motivations in marrying Dorothea are equally complex. As a man devoted to his scholarly pursuits, his decision to marry might seem contrary to his character. His treatment of Dorothea, particularly his dismissive and patronizing attitude, reveals his own insecurities and the limitations of his worldview. Casaubon's inability to appreciate Dorothea's potential contributions to his work reflects a deterministic view of his own life, where his scholarly ambitions overshadow personal relationships.

The tragic irony of Dorothea and Casaubon's marriage lies in the deterministic forces that brought them together—forces rooted in societal expectations, personal aspirations, and misunderstandings. Their union is a product of their past decisions and the societal web that binds them. Yet, it also highlights the limitations of free will within this deterministic framework. Despite their intentions, both characters find themselves trapped in a relationship that fails to fulfill their initial hopes and dreams.

To understand the full scope of Eliot's exploration of free will and determinism, it is essential to consider how these themes resonate throughout "Middlemarch." The novel's intricate web of relationships and events underscores the interconnectedness of human lives. Each character's choices reverberate through the lives of others, creating a dynamic interplay between individual agency and the broader societal context.

In conclusion, "Middlemarch" serves as a profound exploration of the interplay between free will and determinism. Through Dorothea and Casaubon's relationship, Eliot illustrates how personal choices are inevitably shaped by past actions and societal influences. While individuals exercise free will, they do so within the constraints of their history and environment. This nuanced portrayal challenges readers to consider the extent to which free will is truly autonomous and to reflect on the complex web of relationships that define human existence. By addressing the intricate balance between these philosophical concepts, Eliot invites us to question the nature of our own choices and the forces that shape our lives.

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