The Mill on the Floss · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot.
Chapter 1
Book I: Boy and Girl
This opening chapter introduces the Tulliver family, focusing on Mr. Tulliver's decision to send his son Tom to school and the contrasting natures of Tom and his sister Maggie. It sets up the family dynamics, social aspirations, and the tensions between duty, education, and personal desire.
Chapter 2
Outside Dorlcote Mill
The narrator describes the landscape around Dorlcote Mill and the River Floss on a February afternoon, then reveals it was a dream before introducing Mr. and Mrs. Tulliver talking by the fire.
Chapter 3
Mr. Tulliver, of Dorlcote Mill, Declares His Resolution About Tom
Mr. Tulliver announces his plan to give Tom a good education so he can become a surveyor or auctioneer, not a miller. Mrs. Tulliver suggests consulting the aunts and uncles, but Mr. Tulliver refuses. The conversation shifts to Maggie's wildness and her mother's frustration with her unruly hair and behavior.
Chapter 4
Mr. Riley Gives His Advice Concerning a School for Tom
Mr. Tulliver seeks advice from Mr. Riley about sending his son Tom to a new school. Mr. Riley recommends a clergyman named Mr. Stelling, praising his education and character. Mrs. Tulliver expresses concerns about housekeepers and the cost, but Mr. Riley reassures her. Mr. Tulliver worries that a parson might be too learned for a boy destined for business, but Mr. Riley argues that clergymen make the best schoolmasters. The chapter ends with Mr. Tulliver considering the recommendation.
Chapter 5
Tom Is Expected
Maggie is disappointed she cannot accompany her father to fetch Tom home. In a fit of defiance, she wets her hair to avoid curls, then retreats to the attic where she vents her frustrations on a wooden doll. A sudden beam of sunshine draws her outside, where she whirls joyfully at the prospect of Tom's return. She visits the mill with Luke, discussing books and her love for Tom, but learns that Tom's rabbits have died under her neglect, causing her distress.
Chapter 6
Tom Comes Home
Tom returns home from school, and he and Maggie share a joyful reunion. They go fishing at the Round Pool, where Tom shows his practical knowledge and Maggie admires him. After a quarrel, Maggie runs away in distress, but Tom eventually forgives her, and they reconcile. The chapter highlights their deep bond and the simplicity of childhood.
Chapter 7
VI: The Aunts and Uncles Are Coming
The Tullivers prepare for a family gathering at Easter, where they will discuss Tom's schooling. Mrs. Tulliver worries about her sisters' judgments, especially regarding Maggie's behavior, while Mr. Tulliver dismisses such concerns. The chapter also includes a scene between Tom and Maggie where a conflict over a puff pastry highlights their differing temperaments.
Chapter 8
Enter the Aunts and Uncles
The Tulliver family gathers for dinner with the aunts and uncles. Maggie, distressed after cutting her hair, is comforted by her father. Mr. Tulliver announces his plan to send Tom to a clergyman, Mr. Stelling, for schooling, causing surprise and confusion among the relatives. The chapter highlights family dynamics, the contrast between Maggie and Lucy, and the differing attitudes of the Dodson sisters.
Chapter 9
Mr. Tulliver Shows His Weaker Side
Mr. Tulliver visits his sister Mrs. Moss and her family, revealing his softer feelings toward Maggie and his conflicted sense of duty and pride. He resolves to call in a debt from his brother-in-law to pay off Mrs. Glegg's loan, but his good-natured weakness and the family's financial entanglements complicate his resolve.
Chapter 10
To Garum Firs
Maggie's day begins poorly with a humiliating visit from the hairdresser and the discomfort of her best clothes. She and Tom quarrel over card houses, and Tom declares he wishes Lucy were his sister instead. Meanwhile, Mrs. Tulliver visits Mrs. Pullet to seek help in mending the family quarrel with Mrs. Glegg, but Mrs. Pullet is reluctant to intervene directly.
Chapter 11
Maggie Behaves Worse Than She Expected
Maggie, feeling jealous and excluded by Tom's preference for Lucy, pushes Lucy into mud after Tom tells her to go away. Tom slaps Maggie and threatens to tell their mother, while Lucy is left crying and muddy. The adults panic and search for Maggie, who remains defiant.
Chapter 12
XI: Maggie Tries to Run Away from Her Shadow
Maggie, feeling miserable after Tom's anger, decides to run away to the gypsies, believing they will respect her superior knowledge. She encounters strangers, gives away her sixpence, and eventually finds a gypsy camp. After a frightening experience, she is rescued by her father, who brings her home without reproach.
Chapter 13
Mr. and Mrs. Glegg at Home
This chapter delves into the domestic life of Mr. and Mrs. Glegg, portraying their habitual quarrels and the underlying affection that sustains their marriage. Mrs. Glegg's lingering anger over her dispute with Mr. Tulliver is evident, and she reproaches Mr. Glegg for not siding with her. Mr. Glegg, though kind-hearted, is not meek and defends himself, but ultimately they reconcile enough to discuss the Tullivers' troubles amicably. The chapter highlights Mrs. Glegg's pride in her household management and her sense of family decorum, while Mr. Glegg reflects on the peculiarities of the female mind.
Chapter 14
Mr. Tulliver Further Entangles the Skein of Life
Mrs. Pullet mediates between Mrs. Glegg and the Tullivers, but Mr. Tulliver's pride leads him to write a letter repaying Mrs. Glegg's loan, widening the family rift. Mrs. Glegg maintains her principles regarding her will, while Mr. Tulliver is forced to borrow from a client of his enemy Wakem.
Chapter 15
Book II: School-Time
Tom Tulliver is sent to school at King's Lorton under the tutelage of Mr. Stelling, where he struggles with Latin and classical studies. Maggie visits and feels out of place, while Mr. Tulliver's financial troubles begin to loom. The chapter explores the limitations of education and the growing divide between Tom and Maggie's intellectual worlds.
Chapter 16
Tom's "First Half"
Tom Tulliver begins his education at King's Lorton under the Rev. Walter Stelling, experiencing a harsh transition from the easy life at Mr. Jacobs' academy. He struggles with Latin grammar and Euclid, feeling isolated as a solitary pupil. Meanwhile, Maggie visits and tries to help with his lessons, revealing her own quick intellect and curiosity about Latin, though Tom dismisses her abilities. The chapter contrasts Tom's rigid, duty-bound education with Maggie's natural love for learning, and highlights the family's hopes for Tom's future success.
Chapter 17
II: The Christmas Holidays
Mr. Tulliver's resentment toward Lawyer Wakem intensifies as he contemplates legal action against Pivart over water rights for irrigation. Tom learns that Philip Wakem will also attend Mr. Stelling's school, causing him unease. Mr. Tulliver, though proud of the shared educational opportunity, dismisses Tom's concerns, focusing instead on his legal battles.
Chapter 18
The New Schoolfellow
Tom Tulliver returns to school on a cold, wet January day and meets his new companion, Philip Wakem, the son of Lawyer Wakem. Initially awkward and prejudiced against Philip due to his deformity and his father's reputation, Tom gradually becomes intrigued by Philip's artistic skill and knowledge of heroic stories. Their conversation reveals Tom's disdain for Latin and his admiration for physical prowess, while Philip displays intellectual curiosity and a desire to conciliate. The chapter explores their tentative, uneasy acquaintance.
Chapter 19
IV: “The Young Idea”
This chapter explores Tom Tulliver's education under Mr. Stelling, a clergyman of limited intellect but broad ambitions, and his evolving relationship with Philip Wakem. Despite initial hostility due to Philip's father being a 'rascal,' Tom grows to appreciate Philip's help with Latin and his vivid storytelling. Tom also takes drawing lessons from Mr. Goodrich, which he finds dull, and drilling lessons from Mr. Poulter, a former soldier whose tales of the Peninsular War captivate him. The narrative critiques the haphazard nature of education in the era, where luck often determined a boy's schooling.
Chapter 20
Maggie's Second Visit
Maggie visits Tom at school and meets Philip Wakem, the son of her father's enemy. She feels sympathy for Philip's deformity and cleverness, but Tom remains hostile toward him. Tom shows Maggie a sword he has hidden, pretending to be the Duke of Wellington, but accidentally cuts his own foot, causing a fright.
Chapter 21
A Love-Scene
Tom suffers a painful foot injury but bears it heroically, though he secretly fears he may be permanently lame. Philip Wakem learns from Mr. Stelling that Tom will recover fully and shares the good news, which brings a temporary thaw in their relationship. Maggie and Philip grow closer as she shows him affection, kissing him and promising to remember him always. However, Mr. Tulliver warns Tom not to become too close to Philip due to his father's reputation, and the friendship gradually fades once Tom recovers.
Chapter 22
The Golden Gates Are Passed
Tom and Maggie are summoned home from school after Mr. Tulliver loses his lawsuit and suffers a severe injury. Tom, who had always believed in his father's invincibility and family respectability, is shocked into a harsh awakening. Maggie, already bearing the weight of the tragedy, struggles to tell Tom the full extent of their father's collapse. They leave King's Lorton together, their childhood effectively ended as they step into a life of sorrow and uncertainty.
Chapter 23
Book III: The Downfall
Mr. Tulliver faces financial ruin after a lawsuit, leading to the family's loss of their home and possessions. The family gathers to discuss the crisis, and Tom Tulliver returns from school to confront their new reality.
Chapter 24
What Had Happened at Home
Maggie returns home to find her father stricken after learning that Lawyer Wakem has acquired a mortgage on their property. She tends to him devotedly while the family discusses the ruin. Tom is sent for, and on the journey home, Tom vows revenge against Wakem and forbids Maggie from speaking to Philip.
Chapter 25
Mrs. Tulliver's Teraphim, or Household Gods
Tom and Maggie return home to find a bailiff in the house, signaling the family's ruin. Mrs. Tulliver mourns the loss of her treasured household linens and china, which she had marked with her maiden name. Tom resolves to support his mother, while Maggie's grief and anger at the blame cast on her father lead to a tense confrontation with her mother and brother, though the siblings are ultimately united in their shared sorrow.
Chapter 26
The Family Council
The Tulliver family aunts and uncles gather to discuss the family's financial crisis after Mr. Tulliver's downfall. Tom and Maggie are brought into the room, where the aunts and uncles lecture them on their new, humble circumstances. Tom bravely proposes that his aunts advance their inheritance to save his mother's furniture, but Mrs. Glegg angrily rejects the idea. Meanwhile, Mrs. Moss arrives, offering to repay a debt to her brother, but the family debates the wisdom of accepting it. Tom recalls his father's wish not to distress the Mosses, showing early signs of responsibility and loyalty.
Chapter 27
A Vanishing Gleam
Mr. Tulliver briefly regains consciousness after his fall, recognizing his family and giving instructions about debts and his feud with Wakem before relapsing into a coma. Tom and Mr. Glegg search the chest for the note from Mr. Moss, and the lid's bang startlingly revives Mr. Tulliver, who then speaks of paying Luke and forgiving the Moss debt, but soon sinks back into insensibility.
Chapter 28
Tom Applies His Knife to the Oyster
Tom, feeling the humiliation of his family's reduced circumstances, resolves to seek employment from his uncle Deane. He walks to St. Ogg's in the cold December fog, determined to rise in the world through his own efforts. After a brief encounter with a publican, he meets with his uncle Deane, who advises him to start in a humble position and learn the practical side of business rather than seeking a clean, gentlemanly job. Tom is left with little immediate promise but a sense of direction. Meanwhile, Maggie struggles with her own feelings of resentment and longing for love and beauty in the midst of her family's troubles.
Chapter 29
VI: Tending to Refute the Popular Prejudice Against the Present of a Pocketknife
After the sale of the household furniture, Tom Tulliver is visited by Bob Jakin, an old acquaintance who offers him nine sovereigns from a reward he received for putting out a fire. Maggie enters and is distressed to find the bookcase gone and only a few books left. Bob's generous gift contrasts with the family's loss and poverty.
Chapter 30
VII: How a Hen Takes to Stratagem
As Mr. Tulliver slowly recovers from his paralytic stroke, the family faces the impending sale of their property under a decree of Chancery. Mrs. Tulliver, feeling that everyone else has failed to act, devises a plan to personally appeal to Lawyer Wakem to prevent him from bidding on the mill. She visits Wakem's office under the pretense of selling pickles, hoping to persuade him through her connection as a former Miss Dodson. Meanwhile, Tom begins working in a warehouse and taking evening lessons, struggling with the shame of his father's impending bankruptcy.
Chapter 31
Daylight on the Wreck
Mr. Tulliver, recovering from his illness, confronts the reality of his bankruptcy and the loss of his property. He reviews the family Bible, reflects on his marriage, and struggles with the offer from Wakem to stay on as a manager. Tom and Maggie support him, but the family is divided over accepting Wakem's terms.
Chapter 32
IX: An Item Added to the Family Register
Mr. Tulliver, recovering from illness, struggles with his promise to his wife to stay in the old mill and serve under Lawyer Wakem. He dictates a bitter entry for the family Bible, recording his servitude and his unforgiving hatred of Wakem, and makes Tom write it down despite Maggie's protests.
Chapter 33
Book IV: The Valley of Humiliation
The Tulliver family faces the consequences of Mr. Tulliver's financial ruin, enduring public shame and personal humiliation as they are forced to sell their household possessions and leave Dorlcote Mill. The chapter explores the emotional and social toll of their downfall, highlighting the family's struggle to maintain dignity amidst poverty and the harsh judgments of their community.
Chapter 34
I: A Variation of Protestantism Unknown to Bossuet
The narrator reflects on the narrow, sordid, and semi-pagan nature of the Dodsons' and Tullivers' lives, contrasting their conventional respectability and hereditary customs with the grander, more romantic history of the Rhine. The chapter establishes the oppressive moral and religious atmosphere that shapes Tom and Maggie's upbringing, emphasizing the lack of spiritual depth and the dominance of family pride and tradition.
Chapter 35
II: The Torn Nest Is Pierced by the Thorns
Maggie Tulliver, now thirteen, faces a dreary, monotonous life after her father's downfall. Mr. Tulliver works as Wakem's manager, Tom is silent and focused on repaying debts, and Mrs. Tulliver is mentally broken, clinging to household tasks. The family lives in poverty and isolation, with Mr. Tulliver's pride and bitterness growing as he scrimps to save money for creditors. Maggie feels unloved, as both her father and brother are emotionally distant. The chapter highlights the slow, grinding despair of post-crisis life and the family's shared commitment to repaying debts.
Chapter 36
A Voice from the Past
Maggie Tulliver, now deeply religious and ascetic, devotes herself to plain sewing and spiritual reading, but struggles with her inner passions and intellectual hunger. She attempts to study Latin, Euclid, and Logic to gain masculine wisdom, yet finds the pursuit unsatisfying and lonely. Her father, Mr. Tulliver, remains consumed by his misfortunes and desire for revenge, while Tom's practical rebukes and lack of understanding deepen Maggie's sense of isolation.
Chapter 37
Book V: Wheat and Tares
This chapter explores the complexities of moral choices and consequences, focusing on Maggie Tulliver's internal conflict between passion and duty, her secret meetings with Philip Wakem, and the growing tensions within the Tulliver family as old grievances and new loyalties clash.
Chapter 38
In the Red Deeps
Maggie encounters Philip Wakem in the Red Deeps, a secluded wooded area. They engage in a deep conversation about duty, desire, and the pain of renunciation. Philip expresses his longing for a meaningful life and his wish to see Maggie, while Maggie struggles with her sense of filial duty and her own suppressed desires. The chapter explores the tension between personal happiness and familial obligation.
Chapter 39
Aunt Glegg Learns the Breadth of Bob's Thumb
Tom Tulliver, now working for his uncle Deane, focuses on paying off his father's debts through hard work and self-denial. He embarks on a small trading venture with Bob Jakin, securing a loan from his aunts and uncles, particularly Mrs. Glegg, to start a modest cargo speculation. Meanwhile, Maggie struggles with her inner conflicts and her awe of Tom's resolute character.
Chapter 40
III: The Wavering Balance
Maggie struggles with her decision to end her secret meetings with Philip Wakem. She resolves to say farewell, but Philip persuades her to continue their friendship under the guise of chance encounters, exploiting her inner conflict between duty and desire.
Chapter 41
IV: Another Love-Scene
Nearly a year after their previous meeting, Maggie and Philip meet again in the Red Deeps. They discuss a book, Corinne, and Maggie expresses her sympathy for dark-haired heroines. Philip confesses his love and asks for reassurance; Maggie admits she loves him but refuses to do anything that would wound her father. They kiss and part, with Maggie feeling a bittersweet happiness tempered by the knowledge of sacrifice.
Chapter 42
The Cloven Tree
Tom confronts Maggie and Philip during their secret meeting, leading to a bitter argument where Tom insults Philip's deformity and forbids further contact. Maggie defends Philip and accuses Tom of cruelty and narrow-mindedness, but ultimately agrees to end the relationship for her father's sake. After the confrontation, Maggie retreats to her room, torn between resentment and remorse.
Chapter 43
VI: The Hard-Won Triumph
Tom Tulliver returns home to Dorlcote Mill with news that he has saved enough money to pay off his father's debts. The family gathers as Tom reveals his savings, leading to an emotional reconciliation and Mr. Tulliver's renewed hope. Tom's triumph is marred by his coldness toward Maggie, but she finds solace in her father's joy and her brother's success.
Chapter 44
A Day of Reckoning
Mr. Tulliver, after triumphantly settling his debts and regaining his honor, encounters Lawyer Wakem and succumbs to a violent outburst of long-suppressed hatred. The physical and emotional strain proves fatal, and he dies in the early morning, unforgiving to the last. Tom and Maggie reconcile in shared grief.
Chapter 45
Book VI: The Great Temptation
Maggie Tulliver faces intense emotional turmoil as she is drawn into a passionate but forbidden relationship with Stephen Guest, who is engaged to her cousin Lucy Deane. The chapter explores the conflict between her desires and her sense of duty, leading to a crisis of conscience.
Chapter 46
A Duet in Paradise
In Mr. Deane's drawing-room, Lucy Deane and Stephen Guest engage in playful courtship. Lucy reveals that her cousin Maggie Tulliver is coming to stay, and Stephen expresses mild annoyance. They discuss Philip Wakem and the family quarrel, and Lucy asks Stephen to warn Philip about Maggie's arrival. The chapter ends with a musical duet that symbolizes their idyllic romance.
Chapter 47
First Impressions
Stephen Guest takes Maggie and Lucy boating, where Maggie's beauty and character intrigue him despite his engagement to Lucy. Later, the family discusses Maggie's wardrobe, and Stephen visits in the evening, engaging in conversation about music, Dr. Kenn, and Philip Wakem. Maggie's feelings are stirred by Stephen's attention and the mention of Philip.
Chapter 48
Confidential Moments
After an evening of music, Maggie is restless and excited. Lucy visits her room, and they share a confidential conversation. Maggie confesses her past relationship with Philip Wakem and the promise she made to Tom not to speak to Philip without his consent. Lucy is sympathetic and hopeful that the obstacles can be overcome, but Maggie is troubled by the memory of her father's conflict with Lawyer Wakem and the barriers it creates.
Chapter 49
IV: Brother and Sister
Maggie visits Tom at his lodgings, which are in a house owned by Bob Jakin and his wife. The chapter focuses on a tense conversation between Maggie and Tom about her relationship with Philip Wakem. Tom expresses his distrust of Maggie's judgment and warns her against any romantic involvement with Philip, given the family feud with Lawyer Wakem. Maggie defends herself, insisting she has given up any thought of marriage with Philip and only wishes for a quiet friendship. The chapter ends with a partial reconciliation, as Tom softens and allows Maggie to see Philip occasionally at their uncle's house, though he remains skeptical of her resolve.
Chapter 50
Showing That Tom Had Opened the Oyster
Mr. Deane offers Tom a partnership in the firm, acknowledging his business acumen and loyalty. Tom, grateful but driven by a promise to his father, expresses his desire to reclaim the family mill from Wakem. Mr. Deane agrees to consider the possibility, and they part with plans to discuss further after Tom's upcoming business trip.
Chapter 51
VI: Illustrating the Laws of Attraction
Maggie Tulliver is introduced to the higher society of St. Ogg's, enjoying new leisure, music, and the attentions of Stephen Guest. Lucy Deane, happy in her engagement to Stephen, remains unaware of the growing tension between Stephen and Maggie. Philip Wakem's return is delayed, and Maggie's feelings become increasingly conflicted.
Chapter 52
Philip Re-Enters
Philip Wakem visits Lucy Deane and Maggie Tulliver, leading to a tense reunion. Maggie reveals her intention to leave soon and live independently, while Philip urges her not to renounce love. Stephen Guest arrives, and the group engages in strained conversation and music, with underlying tensions between Maggie and Stephen.
Chapter 53
Wakem in a New Light
Philip Wakem, after a private interview with Lucy Deane, resolves to confront his father about his love for Maggie Tulliver. He shows Wakem portraits of Maggie at different ages and declares his intention to marry her despite family enmity. A tense argument ensues, with Wakem expressing bitter resentment toward the Tullivers, but Philip calmly defends Maggie's worth and his own feelings, ultimately appealing to his father's affection and the futility of revenge.
Chapter 54
IX: Charity in Full-Dress
At the bazaar, Maggie's simple beauty stands out among the fashionable crowd, drawing attention and subtle criticism. Stephen Guest openly flirts with Lucy Deane while avoiding Maggie, though he eventually approaches her with concern. Lucy reveals that Philip's father has softened, potentially allowing Maggie and Philip to marry, but Maggie discloses she has accepted a teaching position, citing Tom's opposition to her marrying Philip as a key reason.
Chapter 55
X: The Spell Seems Broken
After a moment of happiness that felt like treachery to Lucy and Philip, Maggie experiences a bitter rage and resolves to cast aside her temptations. She reenters the dance with proud self-command, refusing to dance again but talking calmly. The next morning, Philip visits her in the garden, and they reaffirm their past bond, though Maggie insists that her tie to her brother is paramount. At the evening party, Maggie dances a country-dance with young Torry, while Stephen struggles with jealousy and attraction, ultimately seeking her out.
Chapter 56
XI: In the Lane
Maggie and Stephen walk together in a lane, where Stephen passionately pleads for her love and urges her to break her ties with Philip and Lucy. Maggie struggles with her feelings, ultimately asserting that she cannot sacrifice others for her own happiness and must renounce this love. She asks Stephen to help her, not urge her, and they part with a single kiss before Maggie returns to her aunt, overwhelmed with misery.
Chapter 57
A Family Party
A family gathering at Garum Firs celebrates Tom Tulliver's improved fortunes after the unexpected accident of young Jetsome allows him to take over the mill. Lucy Deane tries to mediate between Maggie and Tom regarding Philip Wakem, but Tom's deep-seated prejudice against the Wakems leads him to refuse any reconciliation. The aunts discuss contributions of linen and household goods for Tom's new establishment, while Maggie's plan to go into service is debated.
Chapter 58
XIII: Borne Along by the Tide
Maggie returns to St. Ogg's and tries to maintain her resolve to renounce Stephen, but they continue to see each other. Stephen arranges a boat ride alone with Maggie, and they drift far down the river, caught in a tide of passion and indecision. Maggie struggles with her conscience, torn between her love for Stephen and her sense of duty to Lucy and Philip.
Chapter 59
Waking
Maggie and Stephen are on a boat after their impulsive flight. Maggie struggles with her conscience, feeling remorse for betraying Lucy and Philip. She resolves to return home, despite Stephen's passionate pleas to marry him. The chapter ends with them landing at Mudport, where Maggie insists they must part.
Chapter 60
Book VII: The Final Rescue
The final book of the novel brings the story to its dramatic conclusion. Maggie Tulliver, having fled with Stephen Guest, returns to St. Ogg's to face the social consequences of her actions. Tom Tulliver rejects her, refusing to forgive her transgression. The community shuns her, but Dr. Kenn offers her shelter and support. The chapter culminates in a great flood that devastates the area. Maggie, in a heroic act of rescue, takes a boat to save her family, ultimately reuniting with Tom in a moment of reconciliation before both perish in the floodwaters.
Chapter 61
The Return to the Mill
Maggie returns to Dorlcote Mill seeking refuge with her brother Tom after her elopement with Stephen Guest. Tom rejects her harshly, accusing her of disgrace and deceit. Their mother chooses to leave with Maggie, and they find shelter at Bob Jakin's house. Maggie, in deep remorse, asks Bob to contact Dr. Kenn for spiritual guidance, but learns that Dr. Kenn's wife has just died.
Chapter 62
II: St. Ogg’s Passes Judgment
Maggie returns to St. Ogg's without marrying Stephen Guest, and the town's judgmental public opinion condemns her as a bold, designing girl. She seeks counsel from Dr. Kenn, confessing her inner conflict and desire to stay with her family. Meanwhile, her mother visits relatives to learn news, and Maggie resolves to support herself through sewing.
Chapter 63
III: Showing That Old Acquaintances Are Capable of Surprising Us
Maggie returns home to find that her aunt Glegg, initially harsh, now offers her shelter and support, while Tom remains rigidly unforgiving. Mrs. Tulliver conveys the family's mixed reactions, and Maggie, seeking independence, consults Dr. Kenn. She receives a letter from Philip Wakem, who professes his enduring belief in her and his love, despite the pain of her involvement with Stephen Guest.
Chapter 64
IV: Maggie and Lucy
Dr. Kenn struggles to defend Maggie against the relentless gossip and social condemnation of St. Ogg's, but finds the townspeople, especially the women, obstinate in their judgment. Meanwhile, Lucy, still recovering, secretly visits Maggie to offer forgiveness and comfort, reaffirming their bond despite the pain caused by Stephen's involvement.
Chapter 65
The Last Conflict
Maggie, isolated and weary, receives a passionate letter from Stephen begging her to call him back. She struggles with temptation, ultimately burning the letter and resolving to bear her cross. As she prays for strength, floodwaters begin to rise in her house, and she rouses Bob Jakin to prepare the boats.
Chapter 66
Conclusion
Five years after the flood, nature and human labor have repaired much of the physical damage, but not all. Dorlcote Mill is rebuilt, and the churchyard is restored. A tomb is erected near the brick grave of Mr. Tulliver for Tom and Maggie Tulliver, who were found in close embrace. The tomb is visited by two men: one eventually comes with a sweet face beside him, the other remains solitary, finding companionship among the trees of the Red Deeps.
