by the Way . . .

It is important to understand why we had to read Silas Marner. Correction, why we were assigned to read it. I seem to remember not doing it, but to be sure I googled the title and read as much of the plot summary as I could stand. I have to admit to some curiousity as to whether the skeleton found with the gold was that of the horse, or some other character. One of these days I simply must get back to read that, the summary I mean.

Anyway, back to the point. You were a control group for a secret experiment conducted by the authorities each year:
In 1978 the Anaheim Union High School District in California banned Silas Marner. Mr. Grim, Head of English at Union High School (Anaheim City) of California said: "We banned George Eliot's Silas Marner as it was the only way to get students to read the damned thing.

Coming next: a detailed explanation of the meaning of Ode to a Grecian Urn "Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard Are sweeter... We will contrast this with the pleasures of not having read Marner.