Mary Ann Evans, known by her pen name George Eliot, was a prominent English novelist and poet born on November 22, 1819. She is best known for her works that explore complex characters and social issues, including Middlemarch and Silas Marner. Eliot's writing often reflects her deep understanding of human psychology and the intricacies of life in Victorian England. Eliot was also a significant figure in the Victorian literary scene, challenging societal norms through her exploration of themes such as morality, religion, and feminism. She was one of the first female authors to gain recognition in a male-dominated literary world, paving the way for future generations of women writers.