The Mill on the Floss · Chapter
IX: Charity in Full-Dress explained
At the bazaar, Maggie's simple beauty stands out among the fashionable crowd, drawing attention and subtle criticism.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Limitations
Maggie's beauty and simplicity are judged by the ladies of St. Ogg's, highlighting the restrictive social expectations placed on women.
Passion vs. Duty
Maggie struggles between her attraction to Stephen and her sense of duty to Philip and her family obligations.
Family Obligation and Conflict
Tom's opposition to Maggie marrying Philip creates a barrier, and Maggie feels compelled to leave rather than defy her brother.
Characters to notice
- Maggie Tulliver
Sits at the bazaar stall, attracting notice for her simple beauty; struggles with her feelings for Stephen and her commitment to Philip.
- Stephen Guest
Pays attention to Lucy but eventually approaches Maggie, expressing concern and pressing her to accept refreshments.
- Lucy Deane
Organizes the stall, is pleased by Maggie's attractiveness, and later tries to persuade Maggie to stay and reconcile with Philip.
- Philip Wakem
Mentioned as not attending the bazaar; his father's change of heart is revealed, removing obstacles to his marriage with Maggie.
- Lawyer Wakem
Visits Maggie's stall at the bazaar, behaves kindly and tactfully, and mentions his son Philip.
- Tom Tulliver
Referenced as opposing Maggie's marriage to Philip; Lucy hopes the good news about the Mill will soften him.
Key passages
“We perhaps never detect how much of our social demeanour is made up of artificial airs until we see a person who is at once beautiful and simple; without the beauty, we are apt to call simplicity awkwardness.”
We only notice how much of our social behavior is fake when we encounter someone who is both beautiful and natural; without beauty, we mistake naturalness for clumsiness.
The narrator reflects on how Maggie's genuine simplicity highlights the artificiality of others.
“The rush of conflicting feelings was too great for Maggie to say much when Lucy, with a face breathing playful joy, like one of Correggio's cherubs, poured forth her triumphant revelation.”
Maggie was so overwhelmed by conflicting emotions that she could barely respond when Lucy happily shared the news about Philip's father.
Maggie's internal turmoil is contrasted with Lucy's joyful announcement.
“I must go away to a new situation on the 25th of June.”
I have to leave for a new job on June 25th.
Maggie reveals her plan to become a teacher, shocking Lucy.