The characters in George Eliot's "Middlemarch" experience a complex interplay between lofty ideals and their innate desires as women. Their passions often conflict, as their aspirations for a greater purpose are deemed excessive, while their more traditional yearnings for fulfillment in relationships are regarded as a deviation from their higher ambitions.

This struggle underscores the societal pressures faced by women in the context of the story, highlighting the tension between pursuing personal dreams and adhering to conventional expectations. Ultimately, this creates a profound commentary on the limitations imposed on women and their quest for identity and satisfaction.