Daniel Deronda

<p><strong>Daniel Deronda</strong> by George Eliot (1876) is both a social novel and a philosophical exploration of identity love and destiny.</p><p>The story follows two intertwined plots:</p><ul><li><ul><li><strong>Gwendolen Harleth</strong> a beautiful but self-centered young woman marries the wealthy but cruel Henleigh Grandcourt for security. Trapped in a loveless marriage she undergoes deep moral and emotional struggles especially after meeting Daniel Deronda.</li><li><strong>Daniel Deronda</strong> raised as an English gentleman is uncertain of his parentage. His life changes when he rescues Mirah Lapidoth a young Jewish woman from suicide. Through her and her brother Mordecai Daniel learns about Jewish culture faith and the dream of a national homeland. Ultimately he discovers his own Jewish heritage and embraces a mission to support the Zionist cause.</li></ul></li></ul><p>The novel contrasts Gwendolen's painful lessons in responsibility with Daniel's spiritual awakening ending with her in remorse and him moving forward with purpose.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>