SLA Junior Seminar 9: The Mill on the Floss

'When they separated, Maggie intended never to see Philip again. ' (p.21)

      Many stories reflect the author's life in the protagonist's situation. Needless to say, the famous writer George Elliot applied the way of describing behind her distress. She had an affair with a man despite the fact that she had strong faith in God. I believe the dilemma she and the protagonist had lead an unpredictable ending of this story. 

     Maggie lives with a father and brother, Tom owing a mill on the floss. Her father has difficulty in doing his business and paying back the debt. Therefore, her family has not good relationship with a lawyer's family. One day, Maggie bumps into Philip, a son of the lawyer and falls in love at the first glance. They can not stand with the serious relationships of each family, so she makes her mind not to see him again. A few years later, Maggie moves to the relative's with her brother, and begins living with her cousin. Since the cousin is a friend of Philip, Maggie can see him again and remembers her affection to him. Unfortunately, her love keeps away by receiving another love from the cousin's boyfriend, Steven. Gradually, she gets confused to judge which love to choose and betrays everything she respects at the moment. 

      As possible to guess from her pseudonym, George, every woman was obedient to men regarding not only connection but the options of their life. Maggie is one of the miserable woman who was forced to follow the men. After she moves to her cousin's house, an arrogant man (Steven) pushes one-side love for Maggie fiercely. It is sure that his behavior looks like brainwashing her all the time. I suspect that is the point George Elliot wanted to tell us. Why have women ignored their life at any period? In addition, how much of worship for God were there in their life? I would like you to compare the story with a contemporary story. I am sure how the authors and readers have changed their side drastically over the decades. 

George, Elliot. The Mill on the Floss. (1992). Oxford, UK: Penguin Books.