# IX: An Item Added to the Family Register explained — The Mill on the Floss

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/ix-an-item-added-to-the-family-register
- 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