The Evolution of the Madonna in Romola

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Keywords

George Eliot; Romola; Madonna

Department

English

Major

English Literature

Abstract

In George Eliot’s novel Romola her titular character transforms from a beautiful young noblewoman to a personification of the Christian Madonna. This essay traces Romola’s extraordinary evolution into a Madonna figure by examining the key moments in her life which push her to transition from a dependent young woman content to live under the control of her father and her husband to a strong matriarchal figure. As the novel unfolds, the situations faced by Romola, which range from her husband Tito’s many betrayals to encountering a plague stricken village, push her towards her transformation into her Madonna persona which in turn gives her not just autonomy, but authority over her own household.

Faculty Mentor

Constance Fulmer

Funding Source or Research Program

Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Presentation Session

Session B

Location

Plaza Classroom 190

Start Date

24-3-2017 3:45 PM

End Date

24-3-2017 4:00 PM

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Mar 24th, 3:45 PM Mar 24th, 4:00 PM

The Evolution of the Madonna in Romola

Plaza Classroom 190

In George Eliot’s novel Romola her titular character transforms from a beautiful young noblewoman to a personification of the Christian Madonna. This essay traces Romola’s extraordinary evolution into a Madonna figure by examining the key moments in her life which push her to transition from a dependent young woman content to live under the control of her father and her husband to a strong matriarchal figure. As the novel unfolds, the situations faced by Romola, which range from her husband Tito’s many betrayals to encountering a plague stricken village, push her towards her transformation into her Madonna persona which in turn gives her not just autonomy, but authority over her own household.