Publisher's Synopsis
Felix Holt, the Radical is a social novel written by George Eliot about political disputes in a small English town at the time of the First Reform Act of 1832. In January 1868, Eliot penned an article entitled "Address to Working Men, by Felix Holt".As the story starts, the reader is introduced to the fictional community of Treby within the English Midlands in 1832, round the time of the primary Reform Act. Harold Transome, an area landowner, has returned home after a fifteen-year trading career within the Middle East . Wealthy from trade, he stands for election to Parliament from the county courthouse of North Loamshire. But contrary to his family's Tory traditions, he intends to face as a Radical. This alienates him from his traditional allies and causes despair for his mother, Mrs. Transome. Harold Transome gains the support of his Tory uncle, the Rector of Little Treby, and enlists the assistance of his family lawyer, Matthew Jermyn, as an electioneering agent.Much of his electioneering is concentrated in Treby Magna. during this village resides Felix Holt, who has recently returned from extensive travels in Glasgow to measure together with his mother. He meets with Rev. Rufus Lyon, a Dissenting minister in Treby Magna, and his stepdaughter, Esther. Felix and Mr. Lyon become ready friends, but he appears to treat Esther with condescension. Felix and Rev. Lyon both appear aligned to the novel cause.Harold Transome learns that Jermyn has been mismanaging the Transome estate and embezzling money for himself. Transome remains silent during the election, yet Jermyn tries to plan an idea to save lots of himself from future prosecution. Meanwhile, Felix witnesses some electioneering for the novel cause within the nearby mining town of Sproxton. he's upset with the 'treating' of workers with beer in exchange for his or her vocal support. Felix relays his concerns to Harold Transome, who chastises John Johnson for his electioneering methods. However, Jermyn convinces Transome to not interfere.Rev. Lyon learns from Maurice Christian, servant of Philip Debarry, about the possible identity of Esther's biological father. Rev. Lyon decides to inform Esther the reality about her father. Esther's outlook on life changes upon finding that she is actually Rev. Lyon's stepdaughter. Her relationship together with her stepfather deepens, while she also desires to emulate the high moral standards impressed upon her by Felix Holt. Seeing the change in Esther's character, Felix Holt begins to fall crazy together with her . However, both share the sensation that they're destined never to marry one another . Meanwhile, Rev. Lyon challenges Rev. Augustus Debarry to a theological debate. the talk is initially agreed to, but is cancelled at the eleventh hour .