How does George Eliot trace the mental processes and emotional states of complex characters in the novel The Mill on the Floss?

How does George Eliot trace the mental processes and emotional states of complex characters in the novel The Mill on the Floss?

George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, was a famous Victorian novelist who distinguished herself from other writers of her time by her intelligent and psychological approach to fiction. One of her masterpieces, The Mill on the Floss, showcases her modernist tendencies in tracing the mental processes and emotional states of complex characters. For example, the protagonist Maggie Tulliver faces a series of moral dilemmas that reveal her inner conflict between love and duty, passion and reason, and self, and society.

Maggie’s conflict begins in her childhood when she struggles to balance her natural curiosity and intelligence with the expectations and demands of her family and relatives. She often reacts impulsively to these conflicts, such as locking herself up with a doll, pushing her cousin Lucy into a muddy pool, or running away from home. However, as she grows older, these conflicts become more intense and serious, and she has to make difficult choices that have lasting consequences.

One of these choices is between her childhood friend Philip Wakem, who is the son of her father’s enemy, and her brother Tom, who has sworn to never forgive the Wakems. Maggie has a deep friendship with Philip, who shares her love for literature and art, but she also feels a strong sense of duty and loyalty to her brother, who has sacrificed a lot for their family. She decides to give up her relationship with Philip to please Tom, even though it breaks her heart.

Another choice is between Stephen Guest, who is the fiancé of her cousin Lucy, and her own conscience. Maggie is attracted to Stephen, who is handsome and charming, but she also respects Lucy, who has been kind and generous to her. She finds herself in a compromising situation when Stephen takes her on a boat ride and tries to elope with her. She resists his temptation and returns to St. Ogg’s, but not without losing her reputation and dignity.

Maggie’s choices reflect her mental and emotional states, which are often torn between opposing forces. She tries to follow her reason and morality, but she also suffers from her passion and emotion. She wants to be true to herself, but she also cares about the opinions and feelings of others. She is a victim of both her own nature and the social norms of her time.

Eliot traces Maggie’s mental and emotional states by using various literary techniques, such as narration, dialogue, description, symbolism, etc. She gives us access to Maggie’s thoughts and feelings through the third-person omniscient narrator, who sometimes comments on Maggie’s actions or motives. She also lets us hear Maggie’s voice through her conversations with other characters, especially Philip and Stephen. She also shows us Maggie’s expressions and gestures through detailed descriptions that convey her mood and personality. She also uses symbols like the river or the mill to represent Maggie’s fate or character.

Eliot’s portrayal of Maggie is realistic and sympathetic. She does not judge or condemn Maggie for her choices or mistakes. Instead, she shows us how Maggie is shaped by both internal and external factors that are beyond her control. She also shows us how Maggie grows and learns from her experiences, even though they end tragically. She makes us empathize with Maggie’s struggles and admire her courage and compassion.

The Mill on the Floss is a novel that explores the complexity of human nature and society through the mental processes and emotional states of its characters. Eliot traces these aspects with skill and insight, creating a memorable and moving story that still resonates with modern readers.