# A Vanishing Gleam explained — The Mill on the Floss

> Chapter companion for The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Conflict

Mr. Tulliver instructs Tom to pay Luke's money and forgive the Moss debt, highlighting duty to family and dependents.

### Pride and Fall

Mr. Tulliver's anger at Wakem and the law, and his humiliation over his financial ruin, underscore his pride and its consequences.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Tulliver

Briefly regains consciousness, speaks of debts and his feud with Wakem, then relapses.

### Maggie Tulliver

Kisses her father with a full heart, feeling he has returned from the dead.

### Tom Tulliver

Helps search the chest, receives instructions about paying Luke and forgiving the Moss debt.

### Mrs. Tulliver

Entered the room after being fetched by Maggie, agitated by the news of her husband's revival.

### Mrs. Moss

Sits near the bed, impulsively expresses thankfulness that her brother recognizes her.

### Mr. Glegg

Helps search the chest and speaks soothingly to Mr. Tulliver about his condition.

## Key lines

> You got the letter, then, my wench?

You received the letter, my girl?

_Mr. Tulliver's first words to Maggie upon recognizing her._

> You must see and pay everybody. And mind—there's fifty pound o' Luke's as I put into the business—he gave me a bit at a time, and he's got nothing to show for it. You must pay him first thing.

You must ensure everyone is paid. And remember, there's fifty pounds of Luke's money that I used in the business—he gave it to me in installments, and he has no written record. Pay him before anyone else.

_Mr. Tulliver's urgent instruction to Tom about settling debts._

> if ever you've got the chance, you make Wakem smart. If you don't, you're a good-for-nothing son.

If you ever have the opportunity, make Wakem suffer. If you don't, you're a worthless son.

_Mr. Tulliver's bitter command to Tom to seek revenge on Lawyer Wakem._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/iv-a-vanishing-gleam
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters