Character sketch of Maggie Tulliver

 

            Maggie Tulliver is the protagonist of The Mill on the Floss. When the novel begins, Maggie is a clever child. Eliot presents Maggie as more imaginative and interesting than the rest of her family and, sympathetically, in need of love. As a child Maggie is knowledgeable but likely to be forgetful. She acts rashly without considering the consequences. This is one of the results of her great sensitivity, for she cannot abide criticism or harsh judgments on her. By the same token, she never judges others harshly. She has none of Tom's arrogant self-righteousness. She is easily convinced that she has done wrong, despite the injury this causes to her sensitive soul. She is somewhat vain about her cleverness, but as this is never recognized by the people around her, it never turns into conceit.

            For Maggie, as for Tom, the bankruptcy is one of the most important events of her life; but it affects her differently. While it is a goad to Tom's ambition, it drives Maggie to renounce the world which treats her so harshly. At first, this takes the form of simple helping around home and giving up childish self-indulgence; but the discovery of Thomas à Kempis gives method and meaning to her renunciation. Nevertheless,, hers remains basically a childish revolt, a hope of avoiding pain by giving up pleasure.

            Maggie's concern for other people is the thing which breaks her free from this self-imposed exile. She begins to see Philip Wakem out of pity for him, and he reawakens her desire for life. This desire is one of the two most important threads in Maggie's character. It is a desire to have "more of everything," and it corresponds to the other characters' desire for property. Only Maggie and Philip show it in this form, as a longing for music, art, and life.

            Maggie's wish to avoid hurting people finally comes in opposition to her desires. Her failure to resolve that conflict leads her to the point of having to choose whom she will hurt. She sees it as a conflict of duty and passion, but that is only part of the problem. In her case, it becomes difficult to tell just where duty lies. At this crisis she reacts as she did to the bankruptcy: she banishes herself. Her reaction is consistent with what has been seen of her since childhood. It represents the fruit of the moral system she has been building for herself, a system based on the good of others. She carries it through with great determination, even when she finds that, as before, she has not foreseen many of the consequences.

 

Mill on the Floss as a Tragedy

 

            The novel opens with a foreshadowing of the tragic end, setting a sombre tone throughout the narrative. The Tulliver family’s economic hardships and the subsequent loss of the mill create a backdrop of adversity that intensifies as the story progresses. The tragic flaw, a common element in classical tragedies, is manifested in the characters’ inability to escape their predetermined destinies, despite their best intentions.

            Maggie Tulliver, the central character, embodies the tragic heroine archetype. Her passionate nature, intellectual curiosity, and defiance of societal expectations make her a compelling figure, but these qualities lead to her tragic downfall. Maggie’s romantic entanglements, particularly her ill-fated love for Stephen Guest, contribute to her ultimate alienation from the conservative society of St. Ogg’s. Her pursuit of personal happiness clashes with the prevailing moral standards, and the consequences are tragic for her and those around her.

            The novel also explores the theme of societal constraints and the impact of external forces on individual lives. Tom Tulliver, Maggie’s brother, represents the societal expectations placed on individuals, especially within the rigid class structure of 19th-century England. Tom’s inability to adapt to changing circumstances and his strict adherence to traditional values contribute to the tragedy. The economic struggles faced by the Tulliver family and their eventual ruin serve as a commentary on the harsh realities of societal expectations and monetary constraints, reinforcing the tragic nature of the narrative.

            Eliot skillfully weaves elements of Greek tragedy into the novel, incorporating themes of fate, nemesis, and the inevitable consequences of human actions. The river, a prominent symbol throughout the story, becomes a metaphor for the inescapable flow of destiny. Maggie’s tragic end, drowning in the flood, is foreshadowed by the recurring image of the river’s power and unpredictability. The novel’s structural elements further accentuate the inevitability of tragedy, with the narrative unfolding chronologically toward the predestined conclusion.

            The character of Mr. Tulliver, the patriarch of the family, also contributes to the tragic dimension of the novel. His pride and stubbornness, particularly in his legal battles, lead to the family’s financial ruin. Mr. Tulliver’s tragic flaw lies in his inability to navigate the complexities of the legal system and his unwavering determination to uphold his honour, regardless of the consequences. His downfall sets the stage for the subsequent tragedies that befall the Tulliver siblings, creating a cascading effect that underscores the inevitability of their fate.

            Eliot’s exploration of morality and societal norms adds depth to the tragic elements of the novel. Maggie’s internal conflict between her innate sense of morality and the societal expectations imposed upon her reflects the broader theme of individual autonomy versus societal constraints. The tragic tension arises from the characters’ struggle to reconcile their personal desires with the moral expectations of a society that often proves unforgiving.

            In conclusion, “The Mill on the Floss” stands as a tragic novel that masterfully weaves together elements of classical tragedy with a keen exploration of societal norms and individual agency. The inevitability of the characters’ fates, the tragic flaws that contribute to their downfall, and the overarching theme of societal constraints collectively define the tragic nature of the narrative. George Eliot’s rich characterizations, nuanced exploration of morality, and skilful incorporation of classical elements make “The Mill on the Floss” a timeless portrayal of the complexities inherent in the human experience, earning its place as a classic tragic work in literature.