The Mill on the Floss · Chapter
The Cloven Tree explained
Tom confronts Maggie and Philip during their secret meeting, leading to a bitter argument where Tom insults Philip's deformity and forbids further contact.
What happens
Tom confronts Maggie and Philip during their secret meeting, leading to a bitter argument where Tom insults Philip's deformity and forbids further contact. Maggie defends Philip and accuses Tom of cruelty and narrow-mindedness, but ultimately agrees to end the relationship for her father's sake. After the confrontation, Maggie retreats to her room, torn between resentment and remorse.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Conflict
Tom asserts his authority as brother and protector, leading to a violent clash with Maggie over her relationship with Philip.
Gender Roles and Limitations
Maggie laments that Tom has power because he is a man, while she can only submit or rebel.
Passion vs. Duty
Maggie struggles between her love for Philip and her duty to her father and brother.
Characters to notice
- Maggie Tulliver
Defends Philip against Tom's insults, but reluctantly agrees to end the relationship to protect her father.
- Tom Tulliver
Confronts Philip and Maggie, forbids their relationship, and harshly criticizes Maggie's conduct.
- Philip Wakem
Defends his love for Maggie and agrees to abide by her wishes, despite Tom's insults.
Key passages
“I despise the feelings you have shown in speaking to Philip; I detest your insulting, unmanly allusions to his deformity.”
Maggie tells Tom she hates the way he spoke to Philip, especially his cruel comments about Philip's physical disability.
Maggie openly condemns Tom's cruelty and lack of empathy.
“Because you are a man, Tom, and have power, and can do something in the world.”
Maggie argues that Tom's authority comes from being a man, which gives him opportunities she lacks.
Highlights the gender inequality that limits Maggie's choices.
“I will submit even to what is unreasonable from my father, but I will not submit to it from you.”
Maggie says she will obey her father even when he is unfair, but refuses to be controlled by Tom.
Maggie distinguishes between filial duty and brotherly authority.