Silas Marner: The Effect of Choice :: Character Analysis, Godfrey Cass, Eppie, Molly

3,847,295 dominoes were toppled on November 15, 2002 breaking the world record according to The Guiness Book of World Reocords. When dominos are placed in a line, stand on end, and one is pushed over, a chain reaction begins and the dominos fall as each is pushed over by its neighbor. Similarly, actions people take in sustenance influence others and the domino effect continues. Silas Marner shows that each persons choices affect themselves and others. First, Godfrey Cass makes unsound decisions and causes problems for people. Initially, Godfrey secretly marries mollie he would have been better off if he had married her in the open or had not married her at all. Dunstan uses Godfreys trades union to threaten him and says, I might tell the Squire how his well-favored son is married to a nice young woman, molly Farren and is very unhappy because he cant live with his drunken wife(24). Godfreys disgraceful marriage was a bad decision. Later, Molly is unhappy about their marriage bec ause Godfrey resides in his fine house while she dwells in a dingy, small room. Molly scorned that her husband would be smiling and smiled upon, hiding her existence in the darkest corner of his heart (108). Then, many years after Molly succumbs to her drug addiction, Godfrey unwisely decides to campaign to adopt his daughter Eppie who grew up with Silas. When Godfrey breaks the news to Eppie that he is her father, she turns quite pale (171) and replies, But I cant leave my father (170). She is shocked that Godfrey had neglect her all of her life. It would have been nobler of Godfrey to learn Eppie as his own and reveal his marriage, but he was afraid of losing his reputation. Godfreys decision to marry Molly and not to claim Eppie creates turmoil in Raveloe.Additionally, Mollys choices eventually bring Eppie to Silas, and Eppie makes decisions that make her happy. Molly sets off on her way to the Red House The journey on New Years Eve was a premeditated act of vengeance which sh e had kept in her heart (108). Molly is unhappy because of her opium addiction and her marriage. When Molly collapses from the drugs, The little one, rising on its legs, toddles through the snowtoddles on to the open door of Silas Marners cottage and right up to the warm hearth (110). Because Molly yields to her addiction, Eppie is placed in the hands of Silas who raises Eppie happily.