Daniel Deronda MCQs and Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: June 4, 2025

Summary:

Daniel Deronda is a novel by George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), published in 1876. It is Eliot’s final novel and is unique for its dual narrative structure, intertwining English aristocratic society and Jewish culture. The novel follows two parallel stories:

1. Gwendolen Harleth’s Story – Gwendolen is a beautiful and self-centered young woman who marries the cruel and domineering Henleigh Grandcourt for financial security. However, she finds herself trapped in an unhappy marriage and later regrets her choices.
2. Daniel Deronda’s Story – Daniel, raised as an English gentleman, discovers his Jewish heritage and embraces his true identity. He falls in love with Mordecai’s sister, Mirah Lapidoth, and ultimately decides to dedicate his life to the Jewish cause, leaving England for Palestine.

The novel explores identity, morality, women’s roles, self-discovery, and Jewish nationalism (Zionism). Eliot’s portrayal of Jewish culture was groundbreaking in Victorian literature.