Cartoonist Tom Gauld has marked the occasion of George Eliot's Middlemarch being voted the greatest novel of all time by a panel of literary critics with a characteristically witty illustration. The drawing, published in the Guardian, depicts a reader struggling to lift a massive tome labelled 'Middlemarch' while a smaller figure asks, 'Is it any good?' The cartoon captures both the novel's reputation for being weighty and its enduring appeal.
A Landmark Achievement
The poll, conducted by a group of prominent authors and critics, placed Middlemarch at the top of a list of 100 novels, surpassing works by Tolstoy, Austen, and Joyce. Gauld's cartoon, which often comments on literary and scientific themes, offers a lighthearted take on the novel's status. In the illustration, the reader strains under the book's heft, while the questioner's skepticism hints at the divide between the novel's critical acclaim and its accessibility.
Gauld's Artistic Touch
Tom Gauld, known for his minimalist style and dry humour, frequently explores the quirks of literary life. His Middlemarch cartoon is no exception, blending reverence with gentle satire. The image has been widely shared on social media, with many readers appreciating its nod to the novel's complexity and the joy of discovering its riches. Gauld's work appears regularly in the Guardian and other publications, often offering a fresh perspective on cultural events.
The poll's results have sparked debate about the criteria for greatness in literature, but Gauld's cartoon reminds us that even the most daunting classics can be approached with a sense of humour. As Middlemarch continues to captivate new generations, Gauld's illustration serves as a charming tribute to its legacy.
