The Lifted Veil

George Eliot’s 1859 novella, The Lifted Veil, explores mystical themes and the nature of perception through the story of Latimer, a man who experiences apparent clairvoyance that may be rooted in psychological factors. The narrative delves into his complex relationship with Bertha, the one person whose thoughts remain elusive to him, raising intriguing questions about identity and unseen realities. Departing from Eliot’s typical realism, the work draws comparisons to Victorian sensation and horror stories, adding a layered depth to its psychological and mystical explorations.