Here Carlyle had come, here George Eliot had progressed through the bookshelves. Roland could see her black silk skirts, her velvet trains, sweeping compressed between the Fathers of the Church, and heard her firm foot ring on metal among the German poets.
In this passage from "Possession" by A.S. Byatt, the setting evokes a rich literary history that the characters traverse. Roland reflects on the profound impact of the past as he imagines the movements of prominent literary figures like Carlyle and George Eliot within the same space. The imagery of Eliot’s elegant attire emphasizes her significance as a writer and her connection to the greats of literature.
Roland's vision allows readers to perceive the intersection of time and creativity, where the echoes of Eliot's footsteps amongst the German poets solidify her influence. It suggests a continuity of thought and inspiration that transcends generations, celebrating literature's enduring legacy. The passage highlights how personal encounters with literature can evoke a sense of reverence for those who shaped its course.