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Middlemarch, a novel by English author George Eliot, was first published in eight volumes in 1871 and 1872
. It is a work of literary realism that explores the lives of the inhabitants of the fictional English town of Middlemarch during the years 1829 to 1832. The narrative intricately weaves together the stories of idealistic Dorothea Brooke, ambitious doctor Tertius Lydgate, and many others, delving into themes of love, ambition, and societal expectations. The novel is notable for its deep psychological insight and its sophisticated treatment of themes such as marriage, education, and the role of women in society.Read the free full text, the full book summary, an in-depth character analysis of Dorothea Brooke, and explanations of important quotes from Middlemarch.