In George Eliot's "Silas Marner," the quote highlights the profound sorrows that arise from misguided beliefs and misunderstandings. It suggests that an angel, possibly representing morality or divine insight, keeps track of human suffering alongside their wrongdoings. This implies that people may experience pain not due to their own faults, but rather due to the false ideas and societal misconceptions imposed on them. Such sorrows are significant, emphasizing the need for compassion toward others.

The quote serves as a reminder of the human condition, where individuals often face consequences not from their own choices, but from external influences and cultural narratives. Eliot hints at the idea that empathy should be extended to those who suffer from such injustices. This reflection on the nature of sorrow invites readers to consider the roots of their own pain and to recognize the broader context of human suffering shaped by ignorance and flawed perceptions.