Nancy, the protagonist in George Eliot's novel Middlemarch, decides to never marry Godfrey Cass for several reasons:
Moral Conflict:
- Godfrey's past: Nancy is aware of Godfrey's secret marriage to Molly and the existence of their illegitimate son, Eppie. This knowledge creates a moral conflict for her, as she values honesty and integrity above all else.
- Godfrey's character: Nancy perceives Godfrey as a weak and irresponsible man who has failed to take responsibility for his actions. She sees his desire to marry her as an attempt to escape his past, rather than a genuine expression of love and commitment.
Personal Values:
- Independence: Nancy is a strong and independent woman who values her own autonomy and freedom. She is not willing to sacrifice her own happiness and well-being for a marriage that would be based on deception and compromise.
- Self-respect: Nancy holds herself to high moral standards and believes in the importance of personal integrity. She refuses to be part of a situation that would violate her own principles.
Practical Considerations:
- Social stigma: Nancy understands the social consequences of being involved with a man who has a hidden past. She knows that her reputation and the reputation of her family would be tarnished if she were to marry Godfrey.
- Financial insecurity: Godfrey is financially unstable and has a history of making poor decisions. Nancy is concerned about the potential financial hardship that she and her family might face if she were to marry him.
In conclusion, Nancy's decision to never marry Godfrey is driven by a combination of moral, personal, and practical considerations. She values honesty, integrity, and self-respect above all else, and she is unwilling to compromise her principles for a relationship that would be based on deception and instability.
