Daniel Deronda by George Eliot is praised for its deep exploration of identity and social issues, showcasing Eliot's skillful character development and intricate plot. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the dual storylines unevenly engaging. Overall, it is celebrated for its thought-provoking themes and literary merit.

A reader who enjoys Daniel Deronda by George Eliot is likely interested in complex character studies, 19th-century British society, and themes of identity and moral choice. Similar audiences would appreciate works like Middlemarch by George Eliot or Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray.

Daniel Deronda by George Eliot follows the interconnected lives of Daniel Deronda, who is conflicted about his identity and future, and Gwendolen Harleth, whose life changes drastically after her family's financial ruin. As Gwendolen grapples with her circumstances and an abusive marriage proposal, Daniel saves a Jewish singer named Mirah from suicide and becomes entangled in her search for her family and his exploration of Jewish culture. The book includes references to a suicide attempt and antisemitism.

Contemplative / Emotional / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Mysterious

- Daniel Deronda was the last novel written by George Eliot and was published in 1876, reflecting a deep interest in Jewish culture and Zionism, which was relatively uncommon in Victorian literature.
- The novel features themes of self-discovery and identity, influenced by Eliot's own personal and intellectual engagement with the ideas of the time, including the exploration of Jewish identity and nationalism.
- Eliot conducted extensive research on Jewish culture and religion to authentically depict the experiences of her Jewish characters, consulting scholars and texts to enhance the novel's accuracy.

George Eliot

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Daniel Deronda reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Daniel Deronda | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Daniel Deronda and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Daniel Deronda Summary

Background

Daniel Deronda Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “The Spoiled Child”

Book 1, Chapters 1-10

Daniel Deronda Book 1, Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “Meeting Streams”

Book 2, Chapters 11-18

Daniel Deronda Book 2, Chapters 11-18 Summary & Analysis

Book 3: “Maidens Choosing”

Book 3, Chapters 19-27

Daniel Deronda Book 3, Chapters 19-27 Summary & Analysis

Book 4: “Gwendolen Gets Her Choice”

Book 4, Chapters 28-34

Daniel Deronda Book 4, Chapters 28-34 Summary & Analysis

Book 5: “Mordecai”

Book 5, Chapters 35-40

Daniel Deronda Book 5, Chapters 35-40 Summary & Analysis

Book 6: “Revelations”

Book 6, Chapters 41-49

Daniel Deronda Book 6, Chapters 41-49 Summary & Analysis

Book 7: “The Mother and the Son”

Book 7, Chapters 50-57

Daniel Deronda Book 7, Chapters 50-57 Summary & Analysis

Book 8: “Fruit and Seed”

Book 8, Chapters 58-70

Daniel Deronda Book 8, Chapters 58-70 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Daniel Deronda Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Daniel Deronda Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Daniel Deronda Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Daniel Deronda Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Daniel Deronda Essay Topics

Daniel Deronda

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Daniel Deronda?

Reading Age

Book Details