The Mill on the Floss

Summary

George Eliot's classic explores the complex lives of Maggie and Tom Tulliver, siblings growing up in rural England. Bound by a deep familial bond, they navigate societal expectations, personal desires, and the challenges of their time. Maggie, intelligent and spirited, struggles against the constraints of her role in society, while Tom, more pragmatic, strives to protect his family.

The story begins with the Tulliver family living at Dorlcote Mill, where Mr. Tulliver dreams of a better future for his son, Tom, by sending him to a prestigious school. Maggie, the spirited and intelligent younger sister, struggles with societal norms and her own desires, often clashing with Tom's more conservative views. Their lives take a tragic turn when Mr. Tulliver loses a lawsuit, leading to the family's financial ruin and the eventual loss of the mill.