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The Mill on the Floss Study Guide

by George Eliot

The Mill on the Floss study guide contains a biography of George Eliot, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

The Mill on the Floss opens with the unnamed narrator dreaming of Dorlcote Mill as she or he knew it years ago. At that time, Mr. Tulliver, owner of the mill and its farm, has decided to send his son, Tom, away to school so that he can become something more than a miller and farmer. When Tom gets home for the summer, he learns that his younger sister Maggie forgot to feed his rabbits and they have all died, so he is furious with her. Maggie is a very bright girl with good intentions and a strong desire to please her brother, so this devastates her. As will happen frequently throughout their lives, Tom coldly holds her carelessness against her for a little while before forgiving her.

Tom's schooling at Mr. Stelling’s begins. Tom finds the…

Read the full The Mill on the Floss Summary

• The Mill on the Floss Summary
• About The Mill on the Floss
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Book I - Boy and Girl
• Summary and Analysis of Book II - School-Time
• Summary and Analysis of Book III - The Downfall
• Summary and Analysis of Book IV - The Valley of Humiliation
• Summary and Analysis of Book V - Wheat and Tares
• Summary and Analysis of Book VI - The Great Temptation
• Summary and Analysis of Book VII - The Final Rescue
• George Eliot’s Own Words about The Mill on the Floss
• Related Links on The Mill on the Floss
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Mill on the Floss: Major Themes
• The Mill on the Floss: Essays
• The Mill on the Floss: E-Text
• The Mill on the Floss: Questions
• The Mill on the Floss: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• George Eliot: Biography