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, standing 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 life influence others and the domino effect continues. Silas Marner shows that each person’s choices affect themselves and others. First, Godfrey Cass makes unsound decisions and causes problems for people. Initially, Godfrey secretly marries Molly; he would have been better off if he had married her in the open or had not married her at all. Dunstan uses Godfrey’s marriage to threaten him and says, â€Å"‘I might tell the Squire how his handsome son [is] married to a nice young woman, Molly Farren and [is] very unhappy because he [can’t] live with his drunken wife’†(24). Godfrey’s disgraceful marriage was a bad decision. Later, Molly is unhappy about their marriage because Godfrey resides in his fine house while she dwells in a dingy, small room. Molly hated that â€Å"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 try to adopt his daughter Eppie who grew up with Silas. When Godfrey breaks the news to Eppie that h e is her father, she â€Å"turns quite pale† (171) and replies, â€Å"But I can’t leave my father† (170). She is shocked that Godfrey had neglected her all of her life. It would have been nobler of Godfrey to claim Eppie as his own and reveal his marriage, but he was afraid of losing his reputation. Godfrey’s decision to marry Molly and not to claim Eppie creates turmoil in Raveloe. Additionally, Molly’s choices eventually bring Eppie to Silas, and Eppie makes decisions that make her happy. Molly sets off on her way to the Red House: â€Å"The journey on New Year’s Eve was a premeditated act of vengeance which she had kept in her heart† (108). Molly is unhappy because of her opium addiction and her marriage. When Molly collapses from the drugs, â€Å"The little one, rising on its legs, [toddles] through the snow†¦[toddles] on to the open door of Silas Marner’s 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.