People are now flocking out of the cities, because they can do their work from home with the help of computers. "The current technological revolution has created an opportunity for the return of work to the home." (Edwards, E, Hendrey Online, 2003). During the Industrial revolution and at the present time major changes were and are taking place. Because of these changes today's students will be able to relate to the issues in "Silas Marner". .
Conversely these two revolutions (Industrial and the technological) have almost nothing in common. The issue of technology and progress is discussed through out George Eliot's "Silas Marner", this can be seen by the Industrial revolution taking place and can be linked to today as the modern world is at the beginning of the technological revolution. "We are at the beginning of a technological revolution affecting how we live and work." (Cherwitz, R, Sanford, S. Online, 2003). The Industrial revolution created more jobs for the people but at the same time alienated them from their work, while the technological revolution is cutting jobs and putting people back in touch with their work. Modern day students will not be able to relate to the themes within "Silas Marner" as today's revolution has nothing in common with the Industrial revolution, except it is a revolution. Another universal issue discussed in "Silas Marner" is issue of drug use.
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Drugs have become a major part of today's society, just as drugs were a part of society in England during the 1800"s. Modern day students will have no trouble relating to the issue of drug use in "Silas Marner" as people are addicted to drugs now just like people were addicted to drugs then. Molly is addicted to opium in the novel and her addiction is described as " the demon opium to whom she was enslaved, body and soul," (Elliot,1861:107). People who are addicted to drugs whether it was in the 1800's or now, still get the same possessive craving that Molly had.
