Silas Marner

The lower-class room in the Rainbow is in a “high pitch of animation” (52). The conversation topics have been brewing for hours by the time Silas arrives, having started with an argument concerning a cow. People tell stories and jokes, many of which have been told countless times. Mr. Macey tells a story about a wedding-day blunder. Silas enters as the conversation is about to turn back into an argument concerning “the truth” about ghosts (61). Mr. Dowlas, the farrier, does not believe in such matters and is willing to bet that the ghosts do not exist. Mr. Snell, the Rainbow’s landlord, insists that some people are simply not able to see ghosts.

The appearance of the “pale, thin” Silas brings the conversation in the Rainbow to an immediate halt (63). The patrons feel as though they are looking at a real-life ghost. Silas announces that someone has stolen from him. Jem Rodney is told to take hold of the delirious Silas, who notices the poacher and demands that his money be returned. Rodney takes offense at the accusation. As everyone calms down, Silas is made to sit beside the fire and recount what happened. His pathetic, distraught telling of the story elicits sympathy from the other patrons.