George Eliot’s Concept of Tragedy in Adam Bede

Abstract

 The Novel Adam Bede has shown the quality of George Eliot as a writer. Though the novel is named after a male character, the center of attention is a woman named Hetty Sorrel who is condemned by the Victorian Society for the murder of her baby. She desires to have a husband who would shower her with all the

wealth. She abhors working on the farm and dreams to live a life of wealth. At times she is regarded as innocent and childlike and at times as a vain person. She uses her beauty to gain anything she desires. She is often compared to Dinah Morris, her cousin who is a complete contrast to her character. Though her act of

infanticide is considered to be a crime but she is also regarded as victimized by many critics. Critics believe that Hetty was treated as a mere plaything for Arthur Donnithorne who could not resist her beauty and was attracted to her at his first sight. Hetty is eventually punished for crime.