This film is a dramatization of George Eliot's novel of the same name. Set in Victorian London, Gwendolen Harleth is drawn to Daniel Deronda, a selfless and intelligent gentleman of unknown parentage, but her own desperate need for financial security may destroy her chance at happiness. In the second episode,Daniel rescues Mirah Lapidoth and searches for her family; Grandcourt informs Lydia about his engagement; and Lydia sends Gwendolen a cursed...

This film is a dramatization of George Eliot's novel of the same name. Set in Victorian London, Gwendolen Harleth is drawn to Daniel Deronda, a selfless and intelligent gentleman of unknown parentage, but her own desperate need for financial security may destroy her chance at happiness. In the final episode,Daniel meets his motherandlearns the circumstances of his birth and childhood;the Grandcourtsencountertrouble while sailing; andDaniel makes decisionsaboutmarriage...

In the final part of an eight part lecture series on “Daniel Deronda,” Professor Ruth Wisse summarizes George Eliot’s great novel of nationalism. An expert on Yiddish and Jewish literature and winner of the National Humanities Medal, Wisse discusses the concept of the Jewish community remaining separate, yet communicating with other people and nations. With Mordecai’s support, Daniel embraces his calling to lead the pursuit of nationhood in...

One of the masterpieces of English literature, Daniel Deronda tells the intertwined stories of two different characters as they each come to discover of the truth of their natures.

Gwendolen Harleth is the high-spirited beauty of an impoverished upper-class family. In order to restore their fortunes, she unwittingly traps herself in an oppressive marriage. She turns for solace and guidance to the high-minded young Daniel Deronda, the adopted

...

In the fourth part of an eight part lecture series on “Daniel Deronda,” Professor Ruth Wisse examines evilness in Henleigh Grandcourt and Mr. Lapidoth. An expert on Yiddish and Jewish literature and winner of the National Humanities Medal, Wisse discusses how Grandcourt symbolizes an aristocracy that loses its purpose before losing financial power. Bored, he exercises power over Gwendolen, who does not suspect his sadism. Mr. Lapidoth exploits...

In the first of an eight part lecture series, Professor Ruth Wisse introduces George Eliot, the author of Daniel Deronda, and her character Gwendolen Harleth. An expert on Yiddish and Jewish literature and winner of the National Humanities Medal, Wisse explores the opening paragraph of Chapter 1, in which Daniel and Gwendolen are attracted to one another at a casino in Germany. Through the relationship between these characters and their parallel plots,...

In the third part of an eight part lecture series on “Daniel Deronda,” Professor Ruth Wisse analyzes Julian Klesmer and Mirah Lapidoth in terms of their contributions to Jewish emancipation. An expert on Yiddish and Jewish literature and winner of the National Humanities Medal, Wisse discusses how Jewish people were seen as a threat in Victorian England, from both poor immigrants and from influential families. Part of a new caste system placing...

Author George Eliot achieved mass popularity and was acclaimed by her literary contemporaries. In contrast, Marian Evans flouted Victorian conventions by living with a man she was unable to marry and by ceasing to attend church. She was refused entry into Victorian society. This documentary tells the story of Evans, from her pious Midland childhood and through her development into an independent-minded academic before emerging as the novelist George...