Answer any one of the following questions in 120 – 150 words :

(a) ‘‘Pull yourself together,’’ said the Voice, ‘‘for you have to do the job I’ve chosen for you.’’ Why did Griffin choose Mr. Marvel? What role

did Marvel play in his life?

(b) Griffin came to Iping due to his desire for solitude. Was he left undisturbed by the people of Iping ? Describe with reference to the role of Mr. Teddy Henfrey and Dr. Cuss in the novel.

(c) How do William Dane’s deceit and Sarah’s desertion affect Silas?

(d) What reasons prompt Godfrey to consider telling his father about his imprudent marriage and debts? Why does he ultimately decide not to do so?

(a) Griffin was forced to choose Mr. Marvel for he had no choice before him. He was in a deplorable condition after his escape from Iping and was desperate for help. He had no notes of his work, for all the copies had been left behind at the inn Coach and Horses. He was in desperate need of an accomplice and couldn’t resist the opportunity on meeting Mr. Marvel.

Marvel was also compelled to help, lest Griffin should show him some dire consequences. He was a tramp and a homeless, jobless man. He goes on to become a partner-in-crime with Griffin, but later manages to run away with a lot of money and even the invisibility formula.

(b) Griffin had come to Iping because of his desire for solitude, where could perform his takss and achieve his targets better. However, the people of Iping did not leave him undisturbed either. Teddy Henfrey is a clock-repairman who comes to the inn, Coach and Horses, where Griffin had also come to stay. Teddy gets convinced of the suspicious nature of the man who has come to stay at the inn, Griffin. He spreads a rumour about him that he has been hiding from the police who want to catch him at the earliest.

Dr. Cuss on the other hand is a general practitioner who interviews Griffin and finds out his ability to become invisible. He spreads an outrageous story about his meeting Grififn. All these stories make the people of Iping believe seriously that Griffin is some sort of a criminal. This is why when there is a theft, everyone doubts Griffin and he is driven out of the place.

(c) When William Dane deceives Silas Marner, this brings about a radical change in his character, and he is full of despair and hopelessness. His faith in man, as well as the Almighty, is shaken and he is left shocked and stunned at the whole affair. He goes back home and spends an entire day sitting alone, without even trying to go to Sarah and convince her of his innocence.

The next day, when he tried to get back to work as usual and leave all the events of the past behind, he is approached by the minister and one of the deacons, who bring to him news of Sarah deserting him. She had ended her engagement with him. He said nothing on receiving the news and simply turned the messengers away and got to working on his loom again. After a few weeks, he left the town and Sarah got married to William Dane. He chose to settle down in Raveloe where he was considered a mystery man by the people.

(d) Godfrey was a weak-willed man, who always preferred material comfort to any kind of risks or discomfort. This is why he considers not telling the truth to his father. He knows that the secret behind his secret marriage to an opium addict, Molly Farren, will not go down well with his father. The fact that he had a daughter with Molly, and the marriage was more out of guilt than anything else would be taken harshly by his father, who might even go on to disown him. This was not acceptable to Godfrey Cass, who was always bothered about being on the safe side.

After the accidental death of Dunstan who knew his secret, and his wife Molly, he kept the secret hidden without any issues at all. However, when Dunstan’s remains are discovered, he decided to confess, although many years apart now. By the time he is ready to make a confession and take Eppie as his daughter, though, she has already accepted Silas as her father. Therefore, we see that Godfrey’s decision of not hiding the truth any longer is out of fright and not out of concern.