Research Paper:The Importance of Paternity in the Victorian Era

Daniel Deronda and the Importance of Paternity in the Victorian Era

Ignorance gives one a large range of probabilities—Daniel Deronda

Mary Anne Evans is mostly known by her pen name, George Elliot to distance herself from her writing; this allowed her to explore many fields and to give her books an equal opportunity in the ‘man’s world’ in which she lived in during the Victorian Era. Daniel Deronda is Eliot’s last novel written in 1876 and the only one to have been set within in her contemporary day. Besides being a controversial novel that explores religion, discrimination of race and class, Eliot also explores the significance of paternity in the Victorian Era by using Deronda’s discovery of his mysterious identity.

The Victorian Era

With the different existing classes in the Victorian Era, Elliot emphasizes the important role that paternity plays with the mysterious identity of Daniel Deronda. As most people whose past is unknown, Deronda is curious of his parentage; at first he believes there is proof that suggests he is not part of the gentleman class in which he has been raised (Eliot 150). There are large portions where he wonders if the truth will ever be made known to him by his guardian Sir Hugo Mallinger whom he calls uncle. In one instance, Deronda questions when “would the time come when his uncle would tell him everything?” (150). However, due to the secrecy of the situation, a part of Deronda fears the truth if such knowledge of his paternity is to be no good (150). Eventually, Deronda’s curiosity will win out when given the chance to find out about his birth.

The Mystery Surrounding Daniel Deronda's Paternity

As Deronda is understood to be the ward of Sir Hugo, their Victorians friends not only have mixed feelings about him, but they also misinterpret Deronda’s status in life. To start with, Sir Hugo’s own nephew describes Deronda as "a sort of ward of Sir Hugo Mallinger's. Nothing of any consequence" (287). There are very likely to be others who feel the same as is the consequences in the Victorian Era when one doesn’t know their parentage. Among Deronda’s humbler friends, he is thought to be part of and related to high class society because he is the ward of Sir Hugo (197). Simply being the ward of a respected gentleman in in the higher circles of the Victorian Era lead people to assume Deronda is of noble birth as well.

Sir Hugo Mallinger

However, the fact that Eliot’s novel revolves around Deronda and his unknown past and his good luck in being the ward of a very wealthy guardian who happens to be the baronet Sir Hugo, breeds false rumors. Because of this fact “everyone says he is the son of Sir Hugo Mallinger, who brought him up; though he passes for a ward” (291). This axiomatic fact confirms that their surrounding friends believe that Deronda’s being Sir Hugo’s ward is a charade and that he’s really the illegitimate son. This rumor is not kept quite so secretly among Deronda and Sir Hugo’s friends, “No one was better aware than he [i.e. Sir Hugo] that Daniel was generally suspected to be his own son. But he was pleased with that suspicion” (154). These two characters that Eliot uses, show a great affection for one another despite the circumstances and uncertainties that Deronda faces. Sir Hugo never imagined the consequences that this would incite or “the way in which the boy [i.e. Deronda] himself might be affected, either then or in the future, by the enigmatic aspect of his circumstances” (154). Although Eliot keeps her readers in the dark for a great part of the novel, she shows the role of importance that paternity has developed in Deronda since a young age.

 Although it is unintentional, the ignorance in which Deronda is purposely kept about his paternity in the Victorian Era begins to have a great emotional strain on him since his adolescence. Deronda’s inquisitive and innocent mind led him to ask his tutor one day about the abundance of nephews among the popes and cardinals. The answer being that their nephews were really their illegitimate children began to turn the wheels in young Deronda’s mind since that moment. “He had always called Sir Hugo Mallinger his uncle” (145). Believing to have just found out that he is really Sir Hugo’s illegitimate son, embarrasses Deronda. It had never occurred to Deronda about his own association with illegitimacy and it pains and consumes his thoughts from thereafter for a long time. “The possibility that here was the secret of his own birth, and that the man whom he called uncle was really his father” brings a strong curiosity, but his timidity prevents him from addressing Sir Hugo directly about this (147). This shock brings Deronda great distress as a child. Although Deronda no longer doubts “that Sir Hugo was his father,” the fact that he doesn’t approach him about it, leads Deronda to interpret it as his father’s silent denial of him and graciously steps aside and accepts the terms (154). The effects of this knowledge burdens Deronda as later on in Eliot’s novel, the confusion overwhelms him when trying to find his place in the world.

No one can know for sure why if it is true, that Sir Hugo doesn’t recognize Deronda as his illegitimate son, being that he has no son to inherit after him. Being an illegitimate son and paternally recognized in the Victorian Era was very important. Gwendolyn, one of Deronda’s Victorian lady friends often wonders how “it must have been a secret hardship to him that any circumstances of his birth had shut him out from the inheritance of his father’s position (373). Not knowing who one’s father was in the Victorian Era, especially those from gentry’s ancestry was important because it disabled young men from obtaining their birthright. If not in wealth, an illegitimate son could certainly benefit from a title or higher connections that could open many doors to a higher class and form of living that he’d not have otherwise. Since a very young age Deronda is aware that “men who were born out of wedlock and were held unfortunate in consequence, being under disadvantages which required them to be a sort of heroes if they were to work themselves up to an equal standing with their legally born brothers” (147). Illegitimacy of birth was serious because it complicated life in the Victorian Era. Because pre-marital relations were forbidden by the Victorian society, out of wedlock births was generally frowned upon by all classes, complicating the lives of the victims born into that situation. The gravity of the importance of knowing one’s paternity in the Victorian Society is that it offered an easier and comfortable life if one happened to be derived from the gentry.

Eliot describes the great societal and economic differences between Sir Hugo’s ward Daniel Deronda and his nephew Henleigh Mallinger Grandcourt. For one, as a ward, Deronda is only under Sir Hugh’s care. This means that “of course he is under some disadvantage: it is not as if he were Lady Mallinger’s son. He does not inherit the property, and he is not of any consequence in the world” (291). Deronda is, however, very fortunate in that his guardian’s high Victorian circle of society which surrounds him, provides connections he would not have otherwise. This allows him to be free to move in any circle which Sir Hugo is connected as well, if Deronda so desires. On the other hand, Sir Hugo’s nephew Lord Grandcourt stands to inherit after him. “In no case could Grandcourt have been a nephew after his own heart; but as the presumptive heir to the Mallinger estates” and “the want of a son to inherit the lands” proves to be a problematic situation for Sir Hugh (139). It is quite out of his hands to choose who inherits after him. “If Sir Hugo Mallinger could have done as he liked with his estates, he would have left them to this Mr. Deronda, since he has no legitimate son” (291). Unfortunately, due to the dogmatic laws that rules the Victorian Era, Deronda knows that not being recognized as Sir Hugo’s illegitimate son disqualifies him from inheriting.

As Deronda comes of age, his unknown identity prompts him to explore life in hopes of finding a place where he feels he belongs. Sir Hugo is surprised that this means Deronda no longer desires to continue his studies at the university, but study abroad instead (162). In Sir Hugo’s mind, Deronda doesn’t “want to be an English gentleman…after all” (162). It is not that Deronda devalues being an Englishman, but he wants the opportunity to “understand other points of view,” and learn through a different perspective other than just the British way (163). Sir Hugo appears to be a bit disappointed by this decision as he had at one time desired Deronda to professionalize himself in a useful career such as politics in which they could both work together. In the end, Sir Hugo understands Deronda’s need find himself and wishes him well (163). This may be considered as the beginning to Deronda’s journey for discovery of his own identity.

Daniel Deronda’s unknown paternity determines his prospects in the well-to-do circles in the Victorian Era because of several factors. The first factor is that he doesn’t have an inheritance by which he can count on to support himself as a gentlemen (291). The second factor is that Deronda doesn’t own his own title or rank of importance in society other than being Sir Hugo’s ward (291). Despite the rumors, without any actual declaration of paternity, Deronda’s status can only be assumed to be rather low if thought over seriously because he possesses nothing of material value. Thanks to Sir Hugo, Deronda receives a modest allowance, enough to support a bachelor with “seven hundred pounds a year” (156). It is enough to get by on his own as a modest gentleman and to support his studies if he so wishes it, but not for more. Despite his unknown parentage, because of his connections through Sir Hugo, Deronda is still “very well received” (291). In the Victorian Era, paternity is of valuable importance if one had higher connections by birth; by the standards of Victorian society, if one had no title, money or connections, one was nobody.

Due Deronda’s unknown patronage, one of the few prospects he has to partake in the higher Victorian societies are his connections through Sir Hugo. Despite that Daniel has not many high or powerful connections of his own, he does possess great influence among Sir Hugo’s circle. One example is when Deronda invites Mirah—a Jewish girl he’s saved and is trying to help her re-enter the musical career, he is commended over finding such a talented singer (496). Mirah becomes quite popular at the party and the night is a success for Mirah and incidentally for Deronda as well. Deronda also has great influence over Gwendolyn—Grandcourt’s young wife. Granted, she sees Daniel as one see’s one’s savior. Gwendolyn is very familiar with Deronda, however, their relationship is respectable, and can be modernly compared to that of an abused wife and her respectable, but very handsome therapist. She seeks him out at every opportunity to relieve herself of her marital burdens. In a letter near the end of Eliot’s novel, Gwendolyn writes thanking and apologizing to Deronda:

I have remembered your words--that I may live to be one of the best of women, who make others glad that they were born. I do not yet see how that can be, but you know better than I. If it ever comes true, it will be because you helped me. I only thought of myself, and I made you grieve. It hurts me now to think of your grief. You must not grieve any more for me. It is better--it shall be better with me because I have known you. (709)

To those whom Deronda encounters and befriends of Sir Hugo’s circle, he gains advantage and connections that can be useful to him in the Victorian era, despite not knowing his parentage.

Another prospect that Deronda possesses in order to partake in the high society during the Victorian Era despite his mysterious background are his natural recommendations. Deronda may be compared to the un-wealthy young ladies of the Victorian Era where beauty speaks for itself. Since childhood, Deronda is admired by many and thought to be a beautiful boy (154). As a grown man Eliot describes him as “young, handsome,” and “distinguished in appearance” (7). Besides his physical beauty, other natural recommendations that Deronda may rely upon are similar to the un-wealthy and plain ladies in the Victorian Era—virtues. The possession of virtues are an asset during the Victorian Era especially if one was not wealthy, plain or without title like Deronda. His university friend Hans Meyrick, sees the compassionate affection quality which Deronda possesses when he saves Mirah Lapidoth on their first encounter where she nearly committed suicide from drowning (411). Hans also relates Deronda’s goodness and virtues to his family (197). For Daniel, his compassion and goodness has no reservations; he always has an ear for Gwendolyn’s troubles, looking out for Mirah’s wellbeing and that of his friends like the Meyrick family as well as for those outside his own assumed age, class, race and ethnicity. Deronda is a person who gives attention to all, including the usually seen-but not heard children. This causes one mother to become “enchanted with this handsome young gentleman, who appreciated remarkable children” (346). These virtues that Deronda possesses are a great asset to Daniel that help smooth over the mystery of his paternity in the Victorian Era.

Not knowing one’s paternity in the Victorian Era was a humbling experience; therefore, it is an important factor that molds Deronda’s character. Growing up believing that he is an illegitimate child in the Victorian Era proves to be humbling for Deronda. This element plays a dynamic role in Deronda’s life which molds him into a compassionate individual. He demonstrates these characteristics by being able to befriend Gwendolyn prior and after her marriage to Grandcourt. Even when he has at one time been attracted to her, he puts aside his own feelings and doesn’t condemn her for her choice of marriage. Rather, he demonstrates true compassion by simply listening to her and encouraging her to live, and to not pity herself but to focus her energy on others whose plight is far worse than her emotionally abusive marriage. Deronda pities her in her choice of marriage, “poor thing! She may have been urged into it. How can one feel anything else than pity for a young creature like that” (356). Another example of Deronda’s compassion is when he saves Mirah’s life. “He felt an outleap of interest and compassion toward her” that Deronda not only saves her life, but helps reconnect her with her long lost family (165). Eliot interestingly depicts Deronda as a self-sacrificing individual who puts others before himself. Daniel might not have this quality of compassion which he has developed through the humbling knowledge of his questionable paternity.

The Meyrick Family

Another characteristic that Deronda has developed as a consequence of the embarrassment that he has endured on the subject of his unknown parentage is his ability to adapt easily in any circle. He easily blends into the parties of the higher class hosted by Sir Hugo and/or his friends (386). There are also his middle class friends like the Meyrick family whom Deronda often spends time with, where he is quite at ease as well (178). Deronda is also quite comfortable outside of his own cultural circle. While searching for Mirah’s family he encounters Ezra Cohen’s shop and his family and eventually Mirah’s own brother Mordecai. Believing that there is the possibility that they are related to Mirah, Deronda even spends the Sabbath with them (350). Deronda’s respect for the family and curiosity of their culture and religion “thus left the most favorable impression behind him” (347). Deronda is easily adapted to any circle he enters despite social class, culture and religious differences demonstrating the humbleness he’s developed as an effect of his unknown paternity.

Deronda's Jewish mother

Eliot finally brings readers to light about Deronda’s paternity which defines his identity in the Victorian Era. Deronda’s answer to his paternity comes by letter from his mother, Princess Leonora Halm-Eberstein (540-541). In this moment where Deronda discovers his paternity, he is neither an illegitimate child, nor is Sir Hugo his father, but an old friend and admirer of his mother. He discovers his father is dead and his mother a once renowned vocalist. However, the most important factor which Deronda discovers upon meeting with his mother in Genoa is that they are of Jewish decent (550). Deronda discovers that the primary reason why his mother placed him under the care of her admirer Sir Hugo is because as she states, “the bondage I hated for myself I wanted to keep you from. What better could the most loving mother have done? I relieved you from the bondage of having been born a Jew” (550). Knowing about his paternity is something important to Deronda, yet the discovery that he is a Jew is not welcoming by Victorian society. If people that he encounters from the higher classes possessed this knowledge, he may be ruined, socially speaking. Due to the anti-Semitism in the Victorian Era, Deronda is committing a form of social suicide by accepting his paternity, no longer fearing the truth, but embracing it whole heartedly. With his encounters with the Cohen family and eventually Mirah’s own brother Mordecai, Deronda becomes more aware of what his purpose is on earth. Constance M. Fulmer, author of “Daniel Deronda” a work analysis explains that Deronda’s “moral perception broadens as he becomes aware of his own identity and his mission as a Jew” (Fulmer). Through the discovery of his parentage Deronda finds the purpose and meaning for himself that he has been seeking for a long time.

Deronda's Jewish Wedding Ceremony

Deronda’s previous experiences determine his future decisions once his paternity is established. Now that Deronda possesses the knowledge that he is Jewish he embraces his culture and religion, incorporating it into his life.  According to the article “Daniel Deronda (1876)”, through his friend Mordecai, Deronda embraces “his vocation and leader of his people”. This greatly influences his decision in marrying the beautiful Mirra Lapidoth instead of the recently widowed and liberated Gwendolyn Grandcourt (704). The news is a bit of a disappointment for his mother who wished to free him from the Jewish label and for Sir Hugo who’d hope for an English gentleman’s life for Deronda. Some see it as Deronda throwing away all his potential and life away by associating himself with the Jewish people through marriage with Mirah. According to Constance M. Fuller, author of “Daniel Deronda” a work analysis, she states that Deronda learns “that to lose one’s life is to find it” (Fulmer). Throughout the journey of his life he has faced shame and developed humility while becoming a compassionate individual. The experience that Deronda has lived from childhood to adulthood have prepared him for the life he has chosen with Mirah. Carolyn F. Dickinson, author of the work analysis essay on “Daniel Deronda” writes how this “discovery resolves dilemmas of identity and vocation” for Deronda (Dickinson). Readers see how important paternity is considered to be in the Victorian Era and the consequences of knowing or not knowing one’s paternity.

Eliot’s novel of Daniel Deronda is a large journey of Deronda’s self-discovery of his paternity and the great importance that it had in the Victorian Era. One’s paternity could either make you or break you in society, determining whether or not one is permitted into the in-crowd of Victorian Society. However, Eliot also showed the negative emotional effects of not knowing one’s paternity as well as the benefits of the ignorance of it and the positive consequences that molded the affected individuals into stronger characters like Deronda. 

Works Cited

"Daniel Deronda (1876)." The Novel 100, Rev. ed.: A Ranking of the Greatest Novels of All Time Daniel S. Burt. New York: Facts on File, 2010. 298-303. Facts on File Library of World Literature. Gale Power Search. Web. 18 May 2014.

Dickinson, Carolyn F. "Daniel Deronda." Magill’S Survey Of World Literature, Revised Edition (2009): 1. MagillOnLiterature Plus. Web. 21 May 2014.

Eliot, George. Daniel Deronda. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2005. Print.

Fulmer, Constance M. "Daniel Deronda." Masterplots, Fourth Edition (2010): 1-3. MagillOnLiterature Plus. Web. 21 May 2014.