Fig. Language in Adam Bede
George Eliot presents a wide range of attitudes and values in the characters throughout her story, "Adam Bede." Because there are varied characterizations, Eliot uses figurative language to identify and describe each one. In the case of Dinah, this technique is used primarily to illustrate Dinah's serene and peaceful demeanor, and to anchor her with the reader as an important character. From the first introduction with Dinah, the fact that she is a God loving and righteous woman is stressed. However, it is stressed in such a way that does not seem redundant, and thus, holds the reader's interest. Eliot keeps this interest by including figurative writing that often presents a view of Dinah or her personality that the reader visualizes. By making this visual connection, Eliot has not only revealed more of Dinah's personality, but also has made the reader more comfortable with her characterization.This effect is illustrated by a passage that describes Dinah during her sermon to the people of Hayslope. The similes in this passage show Dinah's compassion and the strength in her faith. By writing, "Her pale face became paler; the circles under her eyes deepened, as they did when tears half-gather without falling;"(38) Elio
Eliot's emphasis on Dinah's exhibit of compassion extends farther into the passage when she writes, "and the mild loving eyes took an expression of appalled pity. Also, by comparing Dinah's face to that of an angel in Adam's Bible, Eliot makes another strong point. This choice of an angel, and not some other awe-inspiring creature, shows that Dinah is ultimately only effected and awed by God. Other characters, even if they do not agree with her Methodism or her ambition to be a female preacher, recognize and respect her as something special. In this simile, Eliot chooses an encounter with an angel to describe Dinah's change in outward appearance. Also, Dinah seems to represent the word of God with the disembodied whisper into Lisbeth's ear. Ye've got a'most the face o' one as is a-sittin' on the grave i' Adam's new Bible. "'Ah!' said Lisbeth slowly, still wondering; 'ye comed in so light, like the shadow on the wall, an' spoke i' my ear. This reinforces the characterization of Dinah that is not like other woman, both in her appearance, and in her attitude. She is the epitome of religious strictness, and moral purity in a time where these values are respected above all else. By employing a more creative and dramatic style of writing, Eliot makes Dinah's character more understandable, and her values more apparent. This simile creates a special relation between Dinah and God, showing that she is as devoted to God as an angel would be. By using figurative language in the description of Dinah, Eliot creates a more vivid picture for the readers, and in doing so, keeps interest in the story.
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