George Eliot Biography and Quotes

Famously known for

Mary Ann was a novelist, journalist, and writer known for her pen name George Eliot. Often, she would say that her pen name helped her avoid the backlash that would result from her writings.

Early Life

The celebrated novelist was born and raised in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England, as the third child of Robert and Christina. During his childhood, Eliot was often called Mariam, the short form Mary Ann. From the tender age, George Elliot developed some interest in reading. Also, she wasn’t that beautiful, and his family feared that she would not have a chance of marriage. 

Her father invested in her education, taking her to Miss Latham’s School. She also went to Mrs. Wallington’s School and also Miss Franklin’s School in Coventry. During her childhood, the talented novelist was exposed to a quiet, disciplined belief. By the age of sixteen, the writer had a little formal education and could, therefore, access the library of Arbury Hall. Her access to the library boosted her self-education and breadth of learning. 

Personal Life

Evans met George Henry Lewes in 1851, and the two started living together. Evans considered Lewes to be her husband although he was in an open marriage. In 1880, after Lewes’s death, Evans met John Cross, and the two got married. The two lived together until the writer’s death in the same year. 

Career

Eliot started his career as a contributor to the ‘Westminster Review,’ a journal for philosophical radicals. His contribution saw him promoted to becoming its editor. 

Death

Elliot, the renowned novelist, died on December 22, 1880.

Quotes by George Eliot

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