In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the text reflects on societal expectations of women, suggesting that their opinions were often considered feeble. The prevailing belief was that the stability of society and home life was maintained because these opinions largely went unacted upon. This underscores a restrictive view of women's voices and the importance placed on conformity.

Furthermore, the idea presented is that a sense of sanity within the community relied on collective behavior; individuals mirrored their neighbors to avoid the unpredictable actions of those deemed irrational. This highlights not only the limitations placed on women but also the broader context of societal norms that dictated conformity as a means of maintaining order.