The Mill on the Floss · Chapter
First Impressions explained
Stephen Guest takes Maggie and Lucy boating, where Maggie's beauty and character intrigue him despite his engagement to Lucy.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Limitations
Maggie's plain sewing and poverty are contrasted with Lucy's fancywork, highlighting women's limited economic opportunities.
Passion vs. Duty
Stephen's attraction to Maggie conflicts with his engagement to Lucy, and Maggie's feelings for Stephen stir despite her past with Philip.
Social Class and Respectability
Aunt Pullet's concern over Maggie's shabby clothes reflects the importance of appearance in maintaining family respectability.
Characters to notice
- Maggie Tulliver
Maggie goes boating with Stephen and Lucy, learns to row, and later discusses music and Philip Wakem. She feels a new attraction to Stephen.
- Stephen Guest
Stephen takes Maggie and Lucy boating, is intrigued by Maggie's beauty and poverty, and later visits for music. He is half-engaged to Lucy.
- Lucy Deane
Lucy arranges the boating trip and evening music, introduces Stephen to Maggie, and discusses Philip Wakem's musical talents.
- Mrs. Pullet
Aunt Pullet is concerned about Maggie's shabby clothes and offers her own wardrobe for an evening dress.
- Mrs. Tulliver
Mrs. Tulliver participates in the discussion about Maggie's clothes and defends Maggie's arms.
- Philip Wakem
Maggie thinks of Philip as the only person who loved her devotedly; Lucy mentions him as a musical friend.
- Dr. Kenn
Stephen praises Dr. Kenn's character and his care for a poor lad; Maggie is impressed.
- Tom Tulliver
Maggie mentions that Tom will not see Philip Wakem if he can avoid it.
Key passages
“Such passions are never heard of in real life. Besides, he was in love already, and half-engaged to the dearest little creature in the world; and he was not a man to make a fool of himself in any way.”
Instant love doesn't happen in real life; Stephen is already in love and nearly engaged to Lucy, so he won't act foolishly.
Narrator's ironic commentary on Stephen's self-deception about his attraction to Maggie.
“Plain sewing was the only thing I could get money by, so I was obliged to try and do it well.”
Maggie explains that she learned to sew well because it was her only way to earn money.
Maggie's pride in her poverty and skill, which intrigues Stephen.
“I don't feel at all as Tom does on that subject. I've always liked Philip Wakem ever since I was a little girl, and saw him at Lorton. He was so good when Tom hurt his foot.”
Maggie tells Lucy she has always liked Philip, unlike Tom, because Philip was kind to Tom when he was injured.
Maggie's enduring affection for Philip despite family tensions.
