In "Middlemarch," George Eliot portrays a character who, through harsh criticisms of others' beliefs regarding solar gods, has developed a sense of apathy towards sunlight itself. This reflects a deeper philosophical stance where the character's engagement with societal ideas leads to a disconnection from the natural world and its inherent beauty.
As the narrative unfolds, this indifference serves as a metaphor for the impact of intellectual pursuits on emotional and sensory experiences. The character's focus on critique and academia overshadows the simple joys of life, illustrating the sometimes isolating nature of intense intellectualism.