PDA

View Full Version : English Thesis - George Elliot


Lunaticpoet
10-23-2010, 09:37 PM
Hi there,

I'm looking for some advice. I need to define my thesis topic, I am very interested in Victorian literature and the affect that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution had upon Victorian beliefs. I am particularly interested in Geoge Elliot and her humanism and freethought within a primarily Christian nation and era. I would like to include this subject in my thesis, however I am yet to settle upon a specific topic.
I am also interested in Bronte, specifically Jane Eyre. Bronte is in conflict with Elliot in terms of spiritual beliefs. I thought a contrast between the two and their literature could be a good area for discussion.
If anybody has any suggestions or input to help with my planning, or even has any thoughts about these two authors that they would like to discuss, please do. I need to come to a final decision soon, and any help from you would be most appreciated.

Thanks guys! :grouphug:

Marie x
L.M. The Third
10-23-2010, 11:34 PM
I can't think of anything to contribute at the moment, but the ideas sound fascinating, so I might have some thoughts if you elaborate.
Jassy Melson
10-24-2010, 08:38 AM
I think a comparison and contrast between Bronte and Eliot would make an excellent thesis. They were so very different in their outlook, and in their style of writing and their subject matter.
Lunaticpoet
10-24-2010, 05:16 PM
Thanks for your replies. I'm actually really struggling with this. I need to create a thesis plan to show my supervisor. I don't know where to start, I keep changing my mind about things.

I definitely want to keep the theme of religious doubt in Victorian times. It's just that this is such a broad theme that has been discussed and analysed many, many times. The comparison of Bronte and Eliot however is somewhat more original, I can't find any papers on it at the moment, yet that makes me lose confidence in the idea, and worry that it wouldn't work well as a thesis topic. Perhaps I should focus soley on Eliot and an aspect of her spiritual avoidance and romanticised humanism.

Ah well.. best keep on thinking! Again if anyone has any thoughts, please share. Any past English students out there that have completed a Victorian thesis? Any advice?

Thanks again,

Marie x
Lulim
10-24-2010, 05:56 PM
Maybe, it's somewhat outdated for your purpose, but anyway, you can take a look at: STUDIES IN EARLY VICTORIAN LITERATURE (http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18384/pg18384.html). There's a piece about George Eliot, and Charlotte Bronte.

About George Eliot: THE ETHICS OF GEORGE ELIOT’S WORKS (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17172/17172-h/17172-h.htm).
kelby_lake
10-25-2010, 08:51 AM
Effect, not affect.

I'm not that clued up on Victorian literature, really, so I'm afraid I can't help you.
Lunaticpoet
10-25-2010, 11:48 AM
Effect, not affect.

I'm not that clued up on Victorian literature, really, so I'm afraid I can't help you.

Well thanks for the correction at least. Althought that's the least of my worries right now.
Lulim
10-25-2010, 01:59 PM
Well thanks for the correction at least. Althought that's the least of my worries right now.
That's quite ok -- never mind me ...
Lunaticpoet
10-25-2010, 02:56 PM
Maybe, it's somewhat outdated for your purpose, but anyway, you can take a look at: STUDIES IN EARLY VICTORIAN LITERATURE (http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18384/pg18384.html). There's a piece about George Eliot, and Charlotte Bronte.

About George Eliot: THE ETHICS OF GEORGE ELIOT’S WORKS (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17172/17172-h/17172-h.htm).

Thank you for your links. I hope your last message wasn't an angry one. I checked the most recent message in the thread and replied to it, but I wasn't going to ignore you and your input. Thank you very much for the links you sent me, I'm going to look over them now.
Lunaticpoet
10-26-2010, 09:25 AM
Well thanks for the correction at least. Althought that's the least of my worries right now.

I've also spelt George Eliot wrong, not a good start!
Lulim
10-26-2010, 01:41 PM
Thank you for your links. I hope your last message wasn't an angry one. (...)
No, it wasn't angy -- it's just the fact that I'm frequently under the impression I'm writing with invisible ink :frown5:
Lunaticpoet
10-26-2010, 01:50 PM
No, it wasn't angy -- it's just the fact that I'm frequently under the impression I'm writing with invisible ink :frown5:

Not at all, I am grateful that you have tried to help. However, I still have not settled on an appropriate question/title for my dissertation, I don't seem to have any confidence in my ideas :brickwall I have to meet my supervisor tomorrow. She is not going to be impressed!