The Mill on the Floss · Chapter
A Family Party explained
A family gathering at Garum Firs celebrates Tom Tulliver's improved fortunes after the unexpected accident of young Jetsome allows him to take over the mill.
What happens
A family gathering at Garum Firs celebrates Tom Tulliver's improved fortunes after the unexpected accident of young Jetsome allows him to take over the mill. Lucy Deane tries to mediate between Maggie and Tom regarding Philip Wakem, but Tom's deep-seated prejudice against the Wakems leads him to refuse any reconciliation. The aunts discuss contributions of linen and household goods for Tom's new establishment, while Maggie's plan to go into service is debated.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Conflict
The family party reveals tensions over Maggie's independence and Tom's refusal to accept her relationship with Philip, highlighting conflicting duties and expectations.
Social Class and Respectability
The aunts' concern with linen and household goods reflects the importance of material respectability; Tom's prejudice against the Wakems is tied to family pride and social standing.
Pride and Fall
Tom's rigid adherence to his father's prejudice and his sense of duty to family honor demonstrate pride that prevents reconciliation.
Characters to notice
- Maggie Tulliver
Present at the family party; her plan to go into service is discussed and criticized by relatives; Lucy tries to reconcile her with Tom regarding Philip.
- Tom Tulliver
Returns from Newcastle; his improved fortunes are celebrated; he refuses to sanction Maggie's marriage with Philip Wakem due to prejudice.
- Lucy Deane
Arrives early to talk with Maggie; mediates between Tom and Maggie; tries to persuade aunts to contribute linen for Tom's housekeeping.
- Mrs. Pullet
Hosts the family party; discusses giving linen to Tom; criticizes Mrs. Glegg's taste.
- Mrs. Glegg
Attends the party; scolds Mr. Glegg for joking; expresses displeasure at Maggie's plan to go away without consulting her.
- Mr. Glegg
Good-naturedly jokes with Maggie about sweethearts; is rebuked by his wife.
Key passages
“But to minds strongly marked by the positive and negative qualities that create severity—strength of will, conscious rectitude of purpose, narrowness of imagination and intellect, great power of self-control, and a disposition to exert control over others—prejudices come as the natural food of tendencies which can get no sustenance out of that complex, fragmentary, doubt-provoking knowledge which we call truth.”
People with strong will and a sense of moral certainty, but limited imagination, naturally embrace prejudices because they provide simple, authoritative beliefs in a complex world.
Narrator's commentary on Tom's character and his prejudice against Philip Wakem.
“It is pleasant to know that a new ministry just come into office are not the only fellow-men who enjoy a period of high appreciation and full-blown eulogy; in many respectable families throughout this realm, relatives becoming creditable meet with a similar cordiality of recognition.”
Just as new politicians are praised, families suddenly appreciate relatives who become successful, forgetting past faults.
Ironical observation on the family's sudden warmth toward Tom after his improved fortunes.