1、 Eliot and the British tradition of poverty alleviation

The issue of charity in Britain originated in the 14th century, and with the changes in social structure and economic development, the problem of poverty alleviation gradually became prominent. During the Elizabethan period and the English Civil War, the government strictly controlled poverty alleviation efforts. After the restoration of the 17th century dynasty, with economic fluctuations and population migration, the old poverty alleviation laws were no longer applicable. In the Victorian era of the 19th century, a large number of charitable organizations emerged, and women played an important role in charitable work. However, with the advancement of industrialization and the widening gap between the rich and the poor in society, many problems have emerged in the field of charity. In 1869, the Association of Charitable Organizations was established to systematically manage charitable institutions. Charity has gradually become more scientific and specialized, becoming a social and political force. However, the issue of charity has been overlooked in historical research and is difficult to quantify. George Eliot's "Middlemarch" takes the theme of charity as the narrative thread, exploring the confrontation between religious and secular ideas in the 1830s, the emergence of new types of charitable organizations, and the voices of women in the field of charity. Charity, as a bridge connecting oneself and others, exhibits complex expressions of interest emotions at three levels: the giver, the means, and the receiver. This article will explore how the charity writing in "Middlemarch" guides the plot of the novel, and how Eliot constructs his social ethical system through the theme of charity, expressing his views and demands on human nature, society, and gender.

2、 The secularization of charitable motives

Middlemarch reveals the complexity of Victorian philanthropy in the early 19th century through conversations between Mr. Brooke, Sir James Chatham, and Mr. Casubon. Mr. Brooke sees charity as a means to elevate social status, while Bulstrode engages in charity out of religious beliefs, but behind his motives lies a sinful past. The book showcases the impact of the Industrial Revolution and the evangelical movement on the concept of charity, as well as the shift of charity from religious duty to personal redemption and social status elevation. Bulstrode's charitable actions reflect the contradiction between old and new concepts of charity. He gained fame and power through charitable activities while monitoring beneficiaries, reflecting the "voyeuristic desire" of charity in the late Victorian era.

3、 The selfish intention of charity

In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," charity is closely linked to the theme of women, with the selfish intent of charity being an important aspect of the novel's exploration. The establishment of the new charity hospital is closely related to the healthcare reform of young doctor Lidegate in the town of Middlemarch, reflecting the issues of healthcare reform in the early 19th century. Lidegate's research on fever was in line with the development of the medical industry at that time, and he hoped to promote medical education and research by establishing a high fever hospital. However, his charitable actions are not purely driven by altruism, but rather by personal aspirations and a desire to conquer the unknown field of medicine. The novel reveals the complexity of the philanthropic spirit in the Victorian era through the story of Lidegate, criticizing those who pursue personal interests in the name of charity. At the same time, the novel also portrays a shift in the concept of charity, from past charity and sympathy to modern charity and altruism. Dorothea's role symbolizes this transformation, as her universal benevolence contrasts sharply with Bulstrode's self interested charity, reflecting Eliot's pursuit of a true spirit of charity.

4、 Charitable Altruism

In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," Dorothy, as a philanthropic female protagonist, reflects the challenges and growth of women in the patriarchal society of the Victorian era. She demonstrated the complex role of women in charity through two marriages and her relationships with Kasubon and Ladislav. In the early 19th century rural society, the charitable behavior of aristocratic women was not only a reflection of socially recognized feminine traits, but also their social responsibility. They help maintain social hierarchy by providing material assistance and imparting life skills, while the poor internalize this order and expect charity from the nobility.

5、 Real prototypes and female growth

In Middlemarch, Dorothea's charitable actions and women's growth are the core themes. Her spiritual drive echoes the religious fervor of Saint Teresa in the 16th century, and her involvement in charitable projects such as funding hospital and village renovations reflects the social reality of the mid to late 19th century. Dorothea's charitable activities are compared to Olivia Hill's urban housing plan, although Elliott did not directly use Hill as a prototype for Dorothea. The image of Dorothea portrays the struggle of women in imperfect social conditions, contrasting her growth with Casaubon's rational knowledge and emphasizing the importance of emotions in personal growth.

6、 Conclusion

Middlemarch showcases the complexity of Victorian society through charitable activities, where charitable motives become diverse and intertwined with capitalist economy. The emergence of charitable organizations marks a challenge to modernization of means, healthcare reform, and the development of charitable hospitals. Women elevate their social status and break down the boundaries of male dominated society through charitable activities.