The Mill on the Floss · Chapter
IX: An Item Added to the Family Register explained
Mr.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Fall
Mr. Tulliver's broken pride is evident as he compares himself to a tree that is broke and submits to serving under Wakem, yet clings to his honor.
Forgiveness and Redemption
The chapter contrasts Mr. Tulliver's refusal to forgive Wakem with Maggie's plea against bearing malice, highlighting the tension between duty and vengeance.
Family Obligation and Conflict
Mr. Tulliver's promise to his wife and his insistence on Tom writing the curse create deep familial conflict, especially with Maggie's opposition.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Tulliver
Struggles with his promise to Bessy, feels broken like a tree, and dictates a vengeful entry in the family Bible.
- Tom Tulliver
Gloomily writes his father's dictated words in the Bible, despite Maggie's objections.
- Maggie Tulliver
Trembles and pleads with her father not to make Tom write the curse against Wakem.
- Mrs. Tulliver
Looks scared as her husband dictates the vengeful entry, having earlier urged him to keep his promise.
- Luke
Listens sympathetically as Mr. Tulliver reminisces about the mill and his father.
Key passages
“I'm a tree as is broke—a tree as is broke.”
I am like a broken tree, completely shattered and unable to stand tall again.
Mr. Tulliver uses this metaphor to express his utter defeat and loss of pride.
“But I won't forgive him!”
I will never pardon him for what he has done.
Mr. Tulliver's stubborn refusal to forgive Wakem, despite his promise to serve him honestly.
“Write as your father, Edward Tulliver, took service under John Wakem, the man as had helped to ruin him, because I'd promised my wife to make her what amends I could for her trouble, and because I wanted to die in th' old place where I was born and my father was born.”
Record that I, Edward Tulliver, became an employee of John Wakem, the man who helped ruin me, because I promised my wife I would make up for her suffering, and because I wish to die in the home where I and my father were born.
Mr. Tulliver dictates the official entry for the family Bible, explaining his reasons for submitting to Wakem.