In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the author poignantly remarks on the human experience of grappling with disappointment throughout the day. Both men and women endure various struggles while maintaining a facade of normalcy, often suppressing their emotions and responding to inquiries with a casual 'Oh, nothing!' This highlights the silent battles people fight, concealing their pain beneath a veneer of calmness.

The concept of pride emerges as a significant theme, suggesting that while it may lead individuals to mask their own suffering, it can also serve as a protective mechanism. Pride, in this context, is seen as a positive force when it encourages people to manage their emotional wounds without inflicting harm on others. Eliot emphasizes the complexity of human emotions and the delicate balance between personal dignity and the pain we choose to keep hidden.