# Mrs. Garth — Middlemarch character guide

> Mrs. Garth in Middlemarch by George Eliot.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mrs. Garth, the exemplary Mrs. Garth, Garth

**First appearance:** 0012-ix

## Who they are

Caleb Garth's capable, sharp-tongued wife and mother of their children.

## In the story

### [Book III: Waiting for Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se/chapters/book-iii-waiting-for-death)

Expresses her worries about Fred's reliability and the impact of his debts on Mary's future.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se/chapters/xxiv)

Mrs. Garth is a capable, self-controlled woman who manages the household and teaches her children. She is disappointed in Fred and criticizes his behavior, but shows a motherly indulgence toward him.

### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se/chapters/xl)

Discusses with Caleb the potential objections from the Vincy family to Fred working under him; supports Mary's decision to teach.

### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se/chapters/lvi)

Mrs. Garth worries about Dorothea's womanliness and later cries over Caleb's generous decision to employ Fred, fearing it will be misunderstood.

### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se/chapters/lvii)

Mrs. Garth confronts Fred about Mr. Farebrother's possible feelings for Mary, then regrets her bluntness. She later resolves to confess to Caleb.

### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se/chapters/lxviii)

Cautions Caleb against revealing the plan prematurely and expresses concern about his overworking himself.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se/characters/mrs_garth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/middlemarch_se/characters