A semi-philosophical fable. Our hero, a carpenter, loves Hetty Sorel, but she loves Arthur Donnithorne, a local squire. This story of a love triangle quickly progresses to themes altogether much darker, such as: who has the right to determine who lives and who dies? Adam Bede explores different morals, yet, it does not pass ultimate judgement on the actions of its characters. Praised for achieving something beyond the realms of Realism, Eliot’s first published novel tackles difficult subjects such as bastardization and infanticide, with empathy and tact.