The Political Vision of Daniel Deronda. Separateness with Communication

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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 Israel. However, he also maintains his English identity. In writing the novel, Eliot intended to facilitate communication to bring about Jewish sovereignty, as well as cautioning against British intolerance through assimilation, which she considered a threat to liberal democracy.