George Eliot's Silas Marner is an engaging novel intertwining money, sex, and family feuds during the 18th century. The title character is a friendless weaver who cares only for his cache of gold. He is ultimately redeemed through his love for Eppie, an abandoned golden-haired baby girl, whom he discovers shortly after he is robbed and rears as his own child. Through symbolism, the speaker conveys the message that with life's hardships come its treasures. Eliot uses the character Eppie to represent happiness, love, and new beginnings; whereas gold to symbolize sadness and loneliness. Silas's life is unmeaningful and monotonous when all he has is his gold. "He handled [t