The Lifted Veil

Summary

"The Lifted Veil" is a novella by George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans), first published in 1859. It is a departure from her more well-known realist novels, venturing into the realms of the supernatural and psychological horror. The story is narrated by Latimer, a sensitive and introspective young man who possesses the unsettling gift of clairvoyance. He can perceive the thoughts and feelings of those around him and occasionally has visions of future events. This ability isolates him, as he becomes painfully aware of the hidden motives and superficiality of the people in his life. Latimer's life takes a fateful turn when he foresees his marriage to Bertha Grant, a cold and manipulative woman. Despite his foreknowledge of the unhappiness this union will bring, he is irresistibly drawn to her. Their marriage is indeed unhappy, filled with mutual distrust and latent hostility.
A significant turn in the plot occurs when Latimer’s servant, Mrs. Archer, is brought back to life after a brief death, revealing Bertha’s treacherous plans and thoughts through her own supernatural experience. This moment of revelation underscores the novella’s themes of hidden truths and the limits of human understanding. "The Lifted Veil" explores themes such as the limitations and burdens of knowledge, the nature of human consciousness, and the gothic idea of predestined fate. It is a dark and introspective work that differs from Eliot’s more typical explorations of social and moral issues but still reflects her deep psychological insight and narrative skill.