The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot (preloved)

The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans) is a novel set in the early 19th century in the fictional town of St. Ogg’s, England. It follows the lives of siblings Tom and Maggie Tulliver, who grow up in a mill owned by their father. The novel explores their differing personalities and their struggles with social expectations, love, and family loyalty. Tom is practical, responsible, and deeply tied to the values of his community, while Maggie is intellectual, passionate, and more independent in her thinking.

The story delves into themes of moral conflict, the limitations of society’s expectations, and the complexities of love and relationships. Maggie’s turbulent romance with Philip Wakem and her eventual tragic relationship with Stephen Guest are key elements in the plot, illustrating her internal conflict between duty and desire. The novel also highlights Eliot’s critique of social norms and the roles assigned to women.

Ultimately, The Mill on the Floss is a powerful exploration of personal growth, societal pressures, and the consequences of choices, ending in a dramatic flood that symbolizes the emotional and moral drowning of the characters.