Tom Jokinen

In a thought-provoking discussion, Tom Jokinen, a contributor to 'Love and Consequences,' explores George Eliot's moral vision in *Middlemarch*. Fanula Delan, a Professor of Nineteenth-Century Literature, highlights how Eliot's characters press for empathy, even for those we dislike. Writer-director Rebecca Shoptaw shares insights on her web series adaptation, discussing the challenges of making complex characters sympathetic. The trio delves into how Eliot’s work encourages readers to expand their moral imaginative scope and grasp the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

Tom Jokinen, a contributor and narrator, and Laura Gerke, a PhD student in English, delve into the timeless lessons of George Eliot's Middlemarch. They explore Eliot's unconventional life and how it informs her narratives. The discussion touches on characters grappling with ambition and personal failures, particularly Dorothea's misguided marriage and Lydgate’s thwarted medical reforms. Insightful connections are drawn between these characters' intertwined fates, emphasizing empathy and the complexity of human relationships.