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Library's collection Library's IT development CancelAs a matter of fact, it is very human that one often deceives oneself by the
pleasures offered without considering the consequences which might lead to one's
downfall. Due to this fact, this thesis discusses about the significance of human
suffering as a result of self-deception through the lives of Hetty Sorrell and Arthur
Donnithome in George Eliot's Adam Bede. The analysis is done by studying the
character of Hetty and Arthur. These two characters have their own kind of self-deception
which bring them to their downfall. In Adam Bede. Hetty is pictured as a
farm girl with outstanding beauty, who deceives herself by keeping her self-deluding
dream to be Arthur's wife. While Arthur's nature born as a rich good-looking
gentleman supports him to grow his self-indulgence toward Hetty by having a secret
affair with her. Because of their self-deception, later they have to bear their
suffering. However, the discussion of this thesis is focused on how Hetty's and
Arthur's suffering brings significance in their lives. The significance of Hetty's
sufferring is proved when she finally comes to accept the fact that Arthur never
wants to marry her. Then, instead of being captured in her indifference toward
others, she realizes that she needs to socialize with others. The last significance is
seen when Hetty finds out that actually her life might end better by marrying Adam,
whom she used to ignore. While Arthur's suffering brings him into a reality in which
he has to reveal his own being, especially his self-indulgence. Because of his self-indulgence,
he has to give up all his plan and dream to inherit and manage the
Donnithome estate, which suppossed to be his. He also realizes that he causes
Hetty's life so terrible that she has to spend the rest of her life in exile. This makes
him even suffer until his old days. However, finally Arthur comes to accept the fact
that not all his wrong deeds can always be compensated. Through the analysis of the
characterization of Hetty and Arthur, it is proved that their suffering really brings
significance in their lives.