The Mill on the Floss · Chapter
VI: Tending to Refute the Popular Prejudice Against the Present of a Pocketknife explained
After the sale of the household furniture, Tom Tulliver is visited by Bob Jakin, an old acquaintance who offers him nine sovereigns from a reward he received for putting out a fire.
What happens
After the sale of the household furniture, Tom Tulliver is visited by Bob Jakin, an old acquaintance who offers him nine sovereigns from a reward he received for putting out a fire. Maggie enters and is distressed to find the bookcase gone and only a few books left. Bob's generous gift contrasts with the family's loss and poverty.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Respectability
The Tullivers' fall from respectability is marked by the sale of their furniture and the bareness of their home, while Bob's gift highlights class differences.
Family Obligation and Conflict
Tom's sense of duty is evident as he considers his family's plight, and Bob's offer of help contrasts with the family's internal struggles.
Forgiveness and Redemption
Bob Jakin's generous act of giving his reward money to Tom suggests a theme of redemption through kindness, despite their past quarrel.
Characters to notice
- Tom Tulliver
Tom is present in the parlour after the sale, feeling the bareness of the room and receiving Bob Jakin's visit.
- Maggie Tulliver
Maggie enters the room and is overcome with grief at the missing bookcase and the few remaining books.
- Bob Jakin
Bob visits Tom, recalling their childhood and offering nine sovereigns to help the family in their trouble.
- Mrs. Tulliver
Mrs. Tulliver is mentioned as having sat imprisoned in the silent chamber during the sale, her face aged by the ordeal.
- Mr. Tulliver
Mr. Tulliver lies in a living death, insensible during the sale, with spasmodic rigidity.
Key passages
“Oh, Tom! where are the books? I thought my uncle Glegg said he would buy them. Didn't he? Are those all they've left us?”
Maggie exclaims in distress upon seeing the empty wall where the bookcase used to hang, asking Tom if the few books on the table are all that remain.
Maggie's grief over the loss of the books symbolizes the family's cultural and emotional loss.
“I'll thank you to take the nine suvreigns, Mr. Tom, and set yoursen up with 'em somehow, if it's true as the master's broke. They mayn't go fur enough, but they'll help.”
Bob offers Tom nine sovereigns from his reward money to help the family in their financial trouble, acknowledging it may not be enough but will assist.
Bob's selfless offer contrasts with the family's pride and highlights his loyalty.