Daniel Deronda Religion Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Lady Mallinger was much interested in the poor girl, observing that there was a Society for the Conversion of the Jews, and that it was to be hoped Mirah would embrace Christianity; but perceiving that Sir Hugo looked at her with amusement, she concluded that she had said something foolish. (20.50)

Sometimes it becomes apparent that a number of characters in the novel either disapprove of Judaism or don't take it seriously. Here, we see a moment in which it seems that Lady Mallinger is pushed to reflect on her attitude when Sir Hugo makes it pretty clear that she's said something inappropriate.

Quote #5

"I went to the synagogue at Frankfort before I came home, and the service impressed me just as much as if I had followed the words—perhaps more."

"Oh, was it great to you? Did it go to your heart?" said Mirah, eagerly. "I thought none but our people would feel that. I thought it was all shut away like a river in a deep valley, where only heaven saw—I mean—" she hesitated, feeling that she could not disentangle her thought from its imagery.

"I understand," said Deronda. "But there is not really such a separation—deeper down, as Mrs. Meyrick says. Our religion is chiefly a Hebrew religion; and since Jews are men, their religious feelings must have much in common with those of other men—just as their poetry, though in one sense peculiar, has a great deal in common with the poetry of other nations. Still it is to be expected that a Jew should feel the forms of his people's religion more than one of another race—and yet"—here Daniel hesitated in his turn—"that is perhaps not always so." (32.77-79)

Daniel's emerging interest in and appreciation of Judaism is striking to Mirah because she thinks that only Jewish people can feel that sort of appreciation. If she only knew…

Quote #6

"Well, you know, this evening is the Sabbath, young gentleman," said Cohen, "and I go to the Shool. The shop will be closed. But accommodation is a work of charity; if you can't get here before, and are any ways pressed—why, I'll look at your diamond." (33.58)

Ezra Cohen is someone who observes the customs of the Sabbath, though in this moment we see him sort of bend the rules in order to accommodate Daniel.