In Chapter 4, Dunstan Cass takes Wildfire, Godfrey's horse, to town in order to sell it - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1

In this extract, Eliot presents Dunstan Cass as a cruel and heartless character. His actions are characterized by thoughtlessness, greed, and dishonesty, which makes him appear particularly dislikable to the reader.

Vivid Imagery

Eliot sets the tone by describing Dunstan's journey as he 'sets off in the raw morning' at a 'judiciously quiet pace.' This juxtaposition highlights his careful planning in execution of a morally questionable task. The bleak description of his surroundings, detailed by phrases like 'trodden clay' and 'muddy water', reinforces the dreariness surrounding his character and intentions.

Degraded Perspective

Dunstan exemplifies malice when he thinks of Silas Marner as the 'old fool of a weaver', illustrating his derisory view of others. Eliot's use of the derogatory term emphasizes Dunstan's cruelty and self-interest, as he considers exploiting Marner's miserliness for his own gain. He contemplates manipulating Marner by suggesting that Godfrey could secure a loan for him, revealing his lack of empathy and morality.

Character Dynamics

Through Dunstan's interaction with the setting and his thoughts, Eliot amplifies his unscrupulous nature. Observations such as 'the old fool' and him being a 'persistent liar' indicate his manipulative tendencies. His internal dialogue reveals an arrogant self-assurance—he believes he can deceive Bryce and Keating, the horse buyers, without consequence.

Conclusion

Overall, Eliot constructs a multi-dimensional character in Dunstan Cass, whose actions and thoughts are indicative of a selfish and duplicitous nature, framing him as a figure of disdain in the narrative.