The Mill on the Floss

In The Mill on the Floss Eliot explores the contradictions between familial expectations, the influence of society, and the desires of the individual. Most of the conflicts in this novel are brought on by the issue of family loyalty over individual happiness. Although Eliot ultimately proves that family loyalty is important, she also warns her reader against ignoring the individuals that make up a family and community.

As the only son of the Tulliver family, it is Tom’s duty to continue the honor of the Tulliver name because if Maggie gets married, she will lose her identity as a Tulliver, and as a daughter, her opportunities are far fewer. Thus Tom is under pressure from his father to do well and advance the family’s interests. Tom is sent away to a school in which his natural curiosities and talents are repressed—in his experiences with Mr. Stelling, Tom puts family loyalty above his individual happiness. When his father’s financial ruin deals the Tullivers a difficult blow, Tom immediately embraces his new role as head of the family. He finds work that may be deemed beneath his station, knowing that his individual ambitions are unimportant when it comes to doing his duty. For years, Tom works hard for meager earnings, giving up his own social life and dreams.