58 pages • 1 hour read
The Mill on the Floss
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Book Brief
579
Novel • Fiction
Lincolnshire, England • Early 1800s
1860
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
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.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
60,046 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read The Mill on the Floss?
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.
60,046 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tom Tulliver
Tom Tulliver
Maggie’s older brother, who faces the responsibilities of supporting his family after their financial decline. His actions and decisions influence the family dynamics and relationships throughout the story.
Philip Wakem
Philip Wakem
A sensitive and intelligent young man with a physical disability who shares a deep connection with Maggie. Their friendship is complicated by the longstanding feud between their families.
Mr. Tulliver
Mr. Tulliver
The patriarch of the Tulliver family, whose ambitions and decisions heavily impact the family’s fortunes. His actions set off significant plot developments in the story.
Stephen Guest
Stephen Guest
A wealthy and charming gentleman from St. Ogg’s who becomes romantically involved with Maggie. His presence introduces tension and consequences for several characters in the narrative.
579
Novel • Fiction
Lincolnshire, England • Early 1800s
1860
Adult
16+ years
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