Answer: Middlemarch is not primarily a romance novel, though it contains romantic elements and subplots that contribute to its overall narrative.
George Eliot’s Middlemarch explores a range of themes beyond romance, including politics, social change, and the constraints placed on individuals by their society. The complex lives of its characters, such as Dorothea Brooke, Tertius Lydgate, and Will Ladislaw, delve into personal aspirations, struggles, and the impact of their decisions on their lives.
While the relationships between characters—such as Dorothea’s marriages and Lydgate’s frustrations—play significant roles in the story, the book’s depth lies in its social commentary and philosophical insights. In essence, while romance exists, it’s woven into a rich tapestry of broader human experiences and societal issues.