Gold is synonymous with money in the novel. William Dane’s theft of the money in the church disengages the relationship between Silas and him. It is the loss of gold and betrayal of their friendship that leads to Silas lost of faith in the church, and makes him distant himself from the people. Silas’ money eventually turns out to be his companion while he isolates himself from the people. It is also the loss of his money that leads him back to the people and eventually he regains his faith.
This question was fairly attempted by the candidates.
