Summary:
Daniel Deronda is a novel by George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), published in 1876. It is Eliotโs final novel and is unique for its dual narrative structure, intertwining English aristocratic society and Jewish culture.
The novel follows two parallel stories:
- Gwendolen Harlethโs Story โ 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.
- Daniel Derondaโs Story โ Daniel, raised as an English gentleman, discovers his Jewish heritage and embraces his true identity. He falls in love with Mordecaiโs sister, Mirah Lapidoth, and ultimately decides to dedicate his life to the Jewish cause, leaving England for Palestine.
The novel explores identity, morality, womenโs roles, self-discovery, and Jewish nationalism (Zionism). Eliotโs portrayal of Jewish culture was groundbreaking in Victorian literature.
MCQs:
- Who wrote Daniel Deronda?
A) Charles Dickens
B) George Eliot
C) Thomas Hardy
D) Charlotte Brontรซ
Answer: B) George Eliot - When was Daniel Deronda published?
A) 1859
B) 1865
C) 1876
D) 1881
Answer: C) 1876 - What is the name of the female protagonist in Daniel Deronda?
A) Dorothea Brooke
B) Gwendolen Harleth
C) Hetty Sorrel
D) Maggie Tulliver
Answer: B) Gwendolen Harleth - Who does Gwendolen Harleth marry?
A) Daniel Deronda
B) Mordecai
C) Henleigh Grandcourt
D) Ezra Cohen
Answer: C) Henleigh Grandcourt - What is Daniel Derondaโs true heritage?
A) He is of noble English descent
B) He is of Jewish descent
C) He is part-Italian
D) He is an orphan with unknown ancestry
Answer: B) He is of Jewish descent - Who is Mirah Lapidoth?
A) Gwendolenโs sister
B) Danielโs cousin
C) A Jewish woman rescued by Daniel
D) Grandcourtโs wife
Answer: C) A Jewish woman rescued by Daniel - What is Mordecaiโs vision for Daniel Deronda?
A) To become a politician
B) To embrace his Jewish identity and help his people
C) To inherit an English estate
D) To marry Gwendolen
Answer: B) To embrace his Jewish identity and help his people - Where does Daniel Deronda go at the end of the novel?
A) America
B) Palestine
C) France
D) India
Answer: B) Palestine - Which theme is NOT central to Daniel Deronda?
A) Jewish identity and nationalism
B) Self-discovery
C) The supernatural
D) Womenโs independence
Answer: C) The supernatural - What happens to Henleigh Grandcourt?
A) He is murdered
B) He drowns in an accident
C) He divorces Gwendolen
D) He moves to America
Answer: B) He drowns in an accident
Question | Answer |
Novel Name | Daniel Deronda |
Author | George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) |
Year Published | 1876 |
Main Themes | Identity, self-discovery, Jewish nationalism, morality, womenโs roles |
Setting | Victorian England |
Main Characters | Daniel Deronda, Gwendolen Harleth, Henleigh Grandcourt, Mirah Lapidoth, Mordecai |
Key Message | Embracing one’s true identity and moral purpose |