# The Last Conflict explained — The Mill on the Floss

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

## What happens

Maggie, isolated and weary, receives a passionate letter from Stephen begging her to call him back. She struggles with temptation, ultimately burning the letter and resolving to bear her cross. As she prays for strength, floodwaters begin to rise in her house, and she rouses Bob Jakin to prepare the boats.

## Themes in this chapter

### Passion vs. Duty

Maggie's internal battle between her longing for Stephen and her commitment to renunciation and moral duty is the central conflict of the chapter.

### Forgiveness and Redemption

Maggie prays for strength and hopes to transform her error into 'a new force of unselfish human love,' seeking redemption through suffering.

### Nature and the Individual

The rising floodwaters mirror Maggie's emotional turmoil and serve as an external, uncontrollable force that precipitates the climax.

## Character check-ins

### Maggie Tulliver

Endures a night of intense inner conflict, tempted by Stephen's plea, but ultimately chooses renunciation and prayer; she then discovers the flood and acts with calm resolve.

### Stephen Guest

Writes a desperate letter from Mudport, reproaching Maggie and begging her to call him back, revealing his continued passion and despair.

### Dr. Kenn

Advises Maggie to leave St. Ogg's due to parish pressure, offering to help find her a position as a governess.

### Bob Jakin

Maggie wakes him when the flood enters the house; he is the practical, hopeful boat-owner.

### Lucy Deane

Mentioned in Maggie's memories as a figure of the calmer past, reinforcing Maggie's resolve.

## Key lines

> I have received the Cross, I have received it from Thy hand; I will bear it, and bear it till death, as Thou hast laid it upon me.

Maggie silently recites a prayer of acceptance, vowing to endure her suffering faithfully until death.

_This moment marks Maggie's spiritual surrender and commitment to her painful path._

> Forgive me, Stephen! It will pass away. You will come back to her.

Maggie sobs out a plea for Stephen's forgiveness, believing his passion for her will fade and he will return to Lucy.

_Shows Maggie's self-renouncing compassion and her hope for Stephen's eventual recovery._

> O God, if my life is to be long, let me live to bless and comfort—

Maggie prays that if she must live a long life, it may be dedicated to blessing and comforting others.

_Reveals her desire to transform her suffering into a source of good for others._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mill_on_the_floss_se/chapters/v-the-last-conflict
- 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