The Mill on the Floss · Chapter
Aunt Glegg Learns the Breadth of Bob's Thumb explained
Tom Tulliver, now working for his uncle Deane, focuses on paying off his father's debts through hard work and self-denial.
What happens
Tom Tulliver, now working for his uncle Deane, focuses on paying off his father's debts through hard work and self-denial. He embarks on a small trading venture with Bob Jakin, securing a loan from his aunts and uncles, particularly Mrs. Glegg, to start a modest cargo speculation. Meanwhile, Maggie struggles with her inner conflicts and her awe of Tom's resolute character.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this excerpt, the emotional/psychological peak occurs when Maggie, despite her "heavy heart" and initial re…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Family Obligation and Conflict
Tom's sense of duty to his father and the family name drives his actions, but his growing criticism of his father's past imprudence creates tension.
- Pride and Fall
Tom's pride in his self-reliance and ambition contrasts with his father's fallen status, and Mrs. Glegg's pride in her Dodson heritage influences her conditional support.
- Gender Roles and Limitations
The chapter contrasts Tom's active, worldly struggles with Maggie's internal, passive ones, illustrating the limited sphere of women.
Characters to notice
- Tom Tulliver
Tom is industrious and self-denying, working to pay off his father's debts and engaging in a trading venture with Bob Jakin.
- Maggie Tulliver
Maggie is contrasted with Tom, her inner struggles and awe of Tom's unified character highlighted.
- Mr. Tulliver
Mr. Tulliver reluctantly agrees to Tom's trading plan, showing his diminished authority and sense of being 'unlucky'.
- Bob Jakin
Bob proposes the trading venture to Tom and facilitates the initial cargo deal.
- Mrs. Glegg
Mrs. Glegg insists on being consulted and contributes twenty pounds to Tom's venture, expecting interest.
- Mr. Glegg
Mr. Glegg supports Tom's plan and makes inquiries about the trading opportunity.
Key passages
“For Tom had never desired success in this field of enterprise; and for getting a fine flourishing growth of stupidity there is nothing like pouring out on a mind a good amount of subjects in which it feels no interest.”
Tom never wanted to succeed in classical studies; forcing uninterested subjects on a mind only makes it more dull.
The narrator explains Tom's lack of academic success as a result of disinterest.
“A character at unity with itself—that performs what it intends, subdues every counteracting impulse, and has no visions beyond the distinctly possible—is strong by its very negations.”
A person who is completely consistent, suppresses all conflicting desires, and only aims for what is achievable is powerful because of what they lack.
This describes Tom's focused and resolute nature.
“I don't say as I shan't venture twenty pounds, if you make out as everything's right and safe. And if I do, Tom, I hope you'll allays bear it in mind and be grateful for such an aunt.”
I might invest twenty pounds if you prove it's secure, and if I do, you must always remember and appreciate me as your aunt.
Mrs. Glegg sets conditions for her financial support, emphasizing gratitude.
