One reason could be its complex exploration of adult themes like marriage, career ambitions, and social status. It delves deep into the lives of its adult characters, showing their struggles and decisions in a realistic way.
It's because of its complex themes, deep character development, and exploration of mature social and moral issues that require a certain level of life experience and intellectual maturity to fully appreciate.
Middlemarch's status as the first adult novel can be attributed to multiple factors. It has a rich tapestry of adult characters, each with their own backstories and motives. The way it examines the power dynamics between men and women in an adult world is quite remarkable. It shows how adult relationships are not just about love but also about power, influence, and social standing. Moreover, the novel's exploration of the passage of time and how it affects adults, their dreams, and their relationships is very profound. All these elements combined make it a prime example of an adult - centered novel.
Dorothea Brooke is an important character. She is a young, idealistic woman who is searching for a more meaningful life. Then there's Tertius Lydgate, a doctor with great ambition. His experiences in Middlemarch show the challenges of trying to bring new ideas to a traditional town. Also, Mr. Casaubon is significant. He is Dorothea's much - older husband, and their relationship is complex and full of misunderstandings.
One of the main themes is the role of women in society. In Middlemarch, we see how female characters like Dorothea struggle with the limitations placed on them. Another theme is the pursuit of ideals. Dorothea has high ideals about how to live a meaningful life but often faces disappointment. Also, the novel explores the complex web of relationships in a small town, showing how gossip, envy, and friendship all play a part in people's lives.
Middlemarch as a modern novel is marked by its in - depth character development. Each character has their own backstory, dreams, and flaws. This allows readers to really understand the characters on a deeper level, which is something modern novels strive for. Also, the novel's treatment of time is modern. It doesn't follow a simple linear narrative of time but jumps back and forth in the characters' lives, showing how past events influence the present, a common device in modern literature.
Well, Middlemarch is considered a modern novel due to its realism. It presents a detailed and accurate picture of provincial life in the 19th century. This realism extends to its characters, who face ordinary problems like financial difficulties, relationship issues, and career choices. Just like modern novels, it doesn't rely on overly dramatic or fantastical elements. It also shows the interconnectedness of people in a community, which is a key aspect of modern novels that often explore how individuals are affected by and in turn affect the society around them.
Middlemarch is often seen as the best novel because of its masterful storytelling. The plot weaves together multiple storylines in a seamless way. It has elements of love, ambition, and the struggle between idealism and reality. The author's use of language is also remarkable, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that draws readers in and makes them care about the characters and their fates.