![]() His own desires still are the most important thing to him. ![]() ![]() ![]() In the end, he tells the truth only because he is afraid it will be found out anyway. This shows that Godfrey is unchanged - he wants to do the right things, but not badly enough to risk his happiness. Godfrey's life with Nancy sets him on a better path, but there is no true test of his character except his failure to own Eppie as his daughter. She seems to be saying that there are times when wrong can be made to seem almost right, but that such conditions provide a weak base for a life. Godfrey knows that, and Eliot tries to make sure that the reader does too. Such "excuses" are an insufficient defense. Yet these are only the ultimate complication of Godfrey's situation. The early marriage was not really his fault he has good intentions about caring for Eppie he really wants to lead a better life. But he does not have the courage to take responsibility for his acts nor to give up his desires when they conflict with duty.Įliot is careful to make excuses for Godfrey. He has no desire to harm anyone he is pained when he does so. ![]() Godfrey's character is summed up by Eliot near the beginning of the novel as "irresolution and moral cowardice," a state in which he continues until almost the end. ![]()
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