George Eliot reflects on the lives of many women named Theresa, suggesting they often lead lives without the grand narratives typically associated with epic tales. Instead of heroic actions, they may experience a series of missteps rooted in a disconnect between their noble aspirations and the limited opportunities available to them.

The author indicates that these lives, while potentially rich in spirit, can lead to tragic outcomes that go unnoticed and unacknowledged. The absence of recognition implies a sense of loss for these women, whose struggles and failures might slip into obscurity without any poetic tribute to commemorate their existence.