This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
“While the possible troubles of
Maggie’s future were occupying her father’s mind, she herself was tasting only
the bitterness of the present. Childhood
has no forebodings, but then, it is soothed by no memories of outlived sorrow.”
– George Eliot, Book One: Chapter 9: To Garum Firs, Page 94
“This, he considered, was the only basis of solid
instruction; all other means of education were mere charlatanism and could
produce nothing better than smatterers.
Fixed on this firm basis, a man might observe the display of various or
special knowledge made by irregularly educated people with a pitying smile; all
that sort of thing was very well, but it was impossible these people could form
sound opinions.” – George Eliot, Book Two: Chapter 1: Tom’s “First Half”, Pages
149-150
“But the constant presence of her mother’s regretful
bewilderment was less painful to Maggie than that of her father’s sullen
incommunicative depression. As long as
the paralysis was upon him, and it seemed as if he might always be in a
childlike condition of dependence, as long as he was still only half-awakened
to his trouble, Maggie had felt the strong tide of pitying love almost as an
inspiration, a new power that would make the most difficult life easy for his sake;
but now, instead of childlike dependence there had come a taciturn hard
concentration of purpose, in strange contrast with his old vehement
communicativeness and high spirit; and this lasted from day to day and from
week to week, the dull eye never brightening with any eagerness or any joy.” – George
Eliot, Book Four: Chapter 2: The Torn Nest is Pierced By The Thorns, Page 292
Is This An Overview?
Mr. Tulliver wants Tom to get an education, to become more
than a miller. While Tom is getting an
education, Mr. Tulliver loses a lawsuit that costs the mill, property, and
money. Mr. Tulliver becomes financially
indebted, and has to suffer humiliation.
Throughout the difficulties, Tom has conflicts with Tom’s sister,
Maggie. While Tom works furiously to pay
back the debts, Maggie cares for Mr. Tulliver.
Although the siblings were very close, their personalities clash. Maggie has to suffer moral indignation due to
cultural expectations of who Maggie is meant to be with. What happens to the siblings?
Caveats?
This book can be difficult to read. The content is provided with lengthy prose,
that has elegance but delays getting to the substance of what is happening.
