The Mill on the Floss: A Classic Tale of Siblings and Struggles in Victorian England

Written in 1860 by Mary Ann Evans, publishing under the pen name George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss delves into the intricate bond between siblings and the challenges that arise from differing perspectives. During the Victorian era, it was difficult for women to be published, so Evans chose to use a male pseudonym to increase her chances of success.

Evans, who was born in 1819 in Warwickshire, England, grew up in a conservative household. Her parents' strict religious beliefs were in line with the societal norms of the time. However, Evans had a strained relationship with her older brother, always seeking his approval but never truly receiving it.

She attended various schools, including a religious-focused one in Nuneaton, before completing her studies at a Baptist institution. In her early years, she was devout and rigid, but after her mother's passing, she moved to Coventry with her father. There, she was exposed to more liberal ideas and literature.

After her father's death, Evans moved to London and became a successful subeditor for The Westminster Review. It was during this time that she met George Henry Lewes, with whom she lived in a liberal domestic arrangement. However, as Lewes could not divorce his unfaithful wife, Evans' brother disowned her, and they were never able to reconcile.

Evans and Lewes were together until his death in 1878, during which time she published all of her renowned novels under the pen name George Eliot. Her works, known for their nuanced psychological insight, are now considered classics of the Victorian era. Shortly before her death at the age of 61 from kidney disease, Evans married John Cross. She was the most widely read and second richest woman in England at the time of her passing and was buried at Highgate Cemetery in unconsecrated ground.

The Mill on the Floss: An Overview of the Story

The novel begins with an unnamed narrator reminiscing about Dorlcote Mill, owned by Mr. Tulliver at the time. The story centers on Maggie, Mr. and Mrs. Tulliver's daughter, who is intelligent but somewhat careless. She has an older brother, Tom, who is highly favored by their mother but often frustrated by Maggie's unconventional ways.

Tom is sent away to study with Mr. Stelling, with the hope that he will achieve more than just farming. Mr. Wakem, Mr. Tulliver's enemy, also sends his son, Philip, to study with Tom. Despite his physical disability, Philip is a bright student who becomes fond of Maggie during her visits to see her brother.

Breaking societal norms, Maggie is also sent to school but is forced to return home when her father loses a lawsuit against Mr. Wakem, resulting in bankruptcy. Unfortunately, Mrs. Tulliver's family is more concerned with maintaining their moral superiority than helping the struggling family. Mr. Wakem ultimately buys the mill at an auction and keeps Mr. Tulliver on as the manager.

In an attempt to pay off their father's debts, Tom starts a business with encouragement from an old friend, Bob Jakin, who helps him invest his savings. Meanwhile, Maggie and Philip secretly develop feelings for each other. However, when Tom discovers their relationship, he is cruel to Philip and forbids Maggie from seeing him. To spare her family's feelings, Maggie agrees.

Despite the challenges, Tom is eventually able to pay off their father's debts. Tragically, Mr. Tulliver passes away soon after. Both Stephen and Philip continue to write to Maggie. Stephen persistently asks her to marry him, while Philip expresses no resentment towards her. Maggie ultimately rejects Stephen once more and even receives forgiveness from Lucy, who visits her in secret.

As the river Floss floods, Maggie bravely rescues Tom from the flooded Dorlcote Mill. The siblings share an unspoken understanding before their boat capsizes, and they both drown.

Although it ultimately ends in tragedy, The Mill on the Floss is a captivating novel that explores the unbreakable bond between siblings and the societal challenges faced in Victorian England. Written under the pen name George Eliot, the insightful prose and nuanced characters make this novel a must-read for any reader.

The Characters of The Mill on the Floss: Reflecting Victorian Era and Personal Experiences

In the Victorian era, strict moral codes dictated the expectations for women, labeling them as "fallen women" for actions such as premarital sex or even suspicion of it. Mary Ann Evans, writing under the pen name George Eliot, delves into this concept through the characters and experiences of The Mill on the Floss.

• Maggie Tulliver: The story's protagonist, Maggie is a beautiful, intelligent, and vivacious woman. Despite her efforts to gain approval from her critical brother Tom, she is ultimately rejected and disowned by him. Maggie sacrifices her own love for Philip to please her family, but in the end, only her mother and cousin stand by her when her reputation is called into question. Tragically, she dies while trying to save the brother who cast her aside.
• Tom Tulliver: Maggie's older brother, Tom is less intellectual and more conservative than his sister. He is obsessed with upholding propriety and shows little love or protection towards Maggie. Tom does save the family mill and pays off their father's debt, but his actions are driven by a desire for respectability rather than empathy. He prevents Maggie from marrying Philip and rejects her even after being cleared of any wrongdoing. However, in the end, he does acknowledge Maggie's bravery and attempts to reconcile with her.
• Philip Wakem: The son of the lawyer who purchases the Tulliver's mill, Philip is a sensitive and intelligent man. He is also the object of Maggie's affections. However, Tom ridicules Philip's physical disability and ultimately forces Maggie to choose between him and Philip, ending their relationship. Despite this, Philip remains a loyal friend to Maggie throughout the novel.
• Lucy Deane: Maggie's kind, beautiful, and forgiving cousin who is engaged to Stephen. Despite being pursued by her own fiance, Lucy shows compassion towards Maggie and stands by her when she is deemed a "fallen woman". She is one of the few family members who do not turn their backs on Maggie during her time of need.
• Bob Jakin: A childhood friend of Tom's who was rejected after cheating, Bob reappears later in the novel. He helps Maggie and Tom invest their savings to buy back the mill. When Tom refuses to allow Maggie and her mother to stay at the mill, Bob offers them a place to stay. His loyalty and kindness towards Maggie and her family highlight the complexity of characters in the novel, showing that not everyone is purely good or bad.

The Mill on the Floss: Themes and Quotes

"I am not fooled by pretty words; I can see the true intentions behind actions," states the narrator.

This quote, although now considered cliched, was groundbreaking during Evans' time. It encapsulates the central message of the novel - the importance of empathy over rigid moral values. In writing under the name George Eliot, Evans challenges the societal norms of the Victorian era by portraying Maggie as a brave, intelligent, and self-sacrificing "outcast" who heroically saves others despite being labeled a "fallen woman".

"But if Maggie had been that young lady, you would likely know nothing of her at all: her life would have been so uneventful that it would hardly be worth writing about. For the happiest women, much like the happiest nations, have no history," reflects Evans.

Mary Ann Evans, the author of The Mill on the Floss, lived most of her life in a content, long-term relationship with a man who was still married to someone else. Their unconventional situation was frowned upon by London society, and even Evans' own family ostracized her in her hometown. Similarly, in the novel, Maggie sacrifices her own happiness for her family's sake, yet she still faces rejection and slander from the women of St Oggs.

Character Judgements and Nuances in The Mill on the Floss

One may question the moral judgement of Tom towards his childhood friend Bob and his own sister Maggie.

The Influence of Victorian Morality on Relationships in The Mill on the Floss

The strict moral standards of the Victorian era hold immense sway over Tom's actions in The Mill on the Floss. While his rejection of these values may seem unjustified, it is important to acknowledge the complexities and nuances of the characters in the novel, shaped by the societal norms and expectations of their time.

Author George Eliot sheds light on the restrictive and rigid moralistic climate of the Victorian era and its consequences on women in her novel, The Mill on the Floss. Through the character of Maggie, she delves into the sacrifices and difficult choices forced upon individuals in this societal environment.

George Eliot: A Pioneer in Psychological Character Portrayal

Eliot's insightful portrayal of complex characters was a rarity in her time but has now become a defining element of modern novels. She is often hailed as a precursor to Modernist writers like Woolf and Joyce.

The Evolution of Characters in The Mill on the Floss

As the story progresses, the development of the characters becomes increasingly intriguing. Protagonist Maggie longs for her brother Tom's approval, but her nonconformist ways only lead to rejection and ultimately, disownment. Despite sacrificing so much to please others, she is faced with the harsh reality of wondering how much longer she must endure when a devastating flood occurs.

However, facing his own mortality, Tom has a change of heart and reaches out to his sister, finally acknowledging their familial bond in his dying moments. This poignant ending may have been criticized for its melodramatic nature, but it aligns with the novel's epigraph: "In their death, they were not divided." (1)

This tragic ending serves as a powerful commentary on the damaging effects of strict morality on relationships. Tom, who had previously judged Maggie for her choices despite evidence of her loyalty, finally reconciles with her when faced with death. Meanwhile, Maggie is willing to risk her life to save him, showcasing her capacity for genuine compassion and empathy.

The Revolutionary Views of George Eliot

Eliot's message against the strict application of morality and in favor of sympathy and empathy is evident throughout the novel. Her mindset, though now commonplace, was revolutionary in her time, as she took a modern and psychological approach to storytelling.

The Mill on the Floss: Key Takeaways

• The novel explores the consequences of misguided morality in Victorian society.
• George Eliot, also known as Mary Ann Evans, was a pioneer in psychological character portrayal.
• Protagonist Maggie makes sacrifices for her family, while her brother Tom clings to traditional values.
• The ending of the novel highlights the absurdities of Victorian moral rigidity.

The Meaning of The Mill on the Floss

The Mill on the Floss can be summarized as a commentary on the damaging effects of Victorian morality on relationships, as well as a story of forgiveness and compassion within a family.

The Central Theme of the Novel

The central theme of The Mill on the Floss is the triumph of sympathy and empathy over rigid morality.

How the Novel Concludes

The Mill on the Floss ends with Tom forgiving Maggie and acknowledging their familial bond, but tragically, both characters perish in a flood.

About the Author: George Eliot

The Mill on the Floss was written by Mary Ann Evans, who used the pen name George Eliot in order to increase her chances of being published and respected as a female author.

In Conclusion

The Mill on the Floss is a powerful novel that challenges the rigid morality of Victorian society and emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in relationships. Eliot's groundbreaking approach to character development and storytelling makes this a timeless and thought-provoking read.

Sources:

1. Eliot, George, The Mill on the Floss, Penguin Classics, 2003.