George Eliot in Society

The salons hosted by George Eliot and George Henry Lewes in the 1870s challenge the perception of Eliot as a reclusive figure. Contrary to the notion of scandalous dullness, these gatherings featured a diverse guest list, including many women and a vibrant gay and lesbian community, alongside performers. Their travels to European spas further enriched their social interactions, revealing Eliot's active participation in an elite, somewhat Bohemian social circle. This new perspective highlights how these connections influenced her later poetry and fiction.