In "Middlemarch," George Eliot explores the theme of obligation, suggesting that it can evolve into a form of coercion that resembles slavery. When obligations are imposed during our youth, we often lack the understanding of their true weight and implications. This can lead to a sense of being trapped by responsibilities that we may not have willingly accepted.

The quote reflects the idea that heavy obligations can limit our freedom and autonomy. As we grow, we may realize that these commitments, once perceived as honorable, can serve to bind us rather than empower us, illustrating the complex relationship between individual choice and societal expectations.