In the few chapters we have read, Dorothea is described as a non-conventional woman who has a great pursuit of knowledge and religion. Both Mr Brooke and Celia see her uniqueness as a woman and it is brought up repeatedly in the story. It is hinted that Dorothea knows the unconventionality of her and is somehow proud of seeing things others are not aware of (i.e. the soul of others.) What is the significance of bringing out the notion of someone's soul (e.g. Casaubon's soul) help develop and shape Dorothea's personality and the readers' impressions of her?

Despite taking pride in seeing things others cannot see, Dorothea considers herself inferior to Casaubon and admires him so much for his scholarly personality. We are told that Dorothea falls in love with Casaubon because of how sophisticated he speaks. There is not much interaction between Dorothea and Casaubon. In fact, Dorothea plans to marry Casaubon because she wants to improve herself, learn from him and perhaps help with his writing. What does this motive of her say about her personality? Why is being intelligent so important to Dorothea? Can it be the fact that Dorothea is actually obsessed with the idea of being superior to others instead of really curious about knowledge?