In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the character Dorothea reflects on the disparity between reality and the idealized versions of life that art often portrays. She suggests that if the true nature of people's lives were depicted visually, it would reveal flaws and imperfections that are typically hidden in polished representations. This introspection hints at the struggle many face in reconciling their lived experiences with societal expectations.

Dorothea's observation underscores a broader theme of the novel regarding the challenge of achieving personal fulfillment amidst the constraints of social norms and relationships. It serves as a reminder that life is often more complicated and messy than the idyllic images presented to us, urging readers to embrace authenticity over artifice.