George Eliot's The Mill on the Floss has been praised for its complex characters and exploration of societal pressures, especially in depicting Maggie Tulliver's struggles. The narrative is lauded for its emotional depth and realism but criticized for its dense prose and slow pacing. Overall, it remains a compelling read for its poignant themes and character development.

Readers who enjoy The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot typically appreciate richly detailed character studies, complex family dynamics, and themes of societal constraints. Fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles may find this novel compelling, as it delves into similar emotional and social landscapes.

In The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot, Maggie Tulliver grows up in a British seaport town with her brother Tom. Their father owns a mill and loses it due to financial trouble. Maggie faces societal judgment, particularly surrounding her controversial relationships. She experiences isolation and internal conflict as she navigates love, loyalty, and societal expectations. Topics include mental illness, financial hardship, and familial tension.

George Eliot

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Mill on the Floss reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Mill on the Floss | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Mill on the Floss Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Boy and Girl”

Part 1, Chapters 1-13

The Mill on the Floss Part 1, Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “School Time”

Part 2, Chapters 1-7

The Mill on the Floss Part 2, Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Downfall” - Part 4: “The Valley of Humiliation”

Part 3, Chapter 1-Part 4, Chapter 3

The Mill on the Floss Part 3, Chapter 1-Part 4, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Wheat and Tares” - Part 6: “The Great Temptation”

Part 5, Chapter 1-Part 6, Chapter 14

The Mill on the Floss Part 5, Chapter 1-Part 6, Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “The Final Rescue”

Part 7, Chapters 1-Epilogue

The Mill on the Floss Part 7, Chapters 1-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Mill on the Floss Character Analysis

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Themes

The Mill on the Floss Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Mill on the Floss Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Mill on the Floss Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Mill on the Floss Essay Topics

The Mill on the Floss

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Mill on the Floss?

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Book Details