Book I

What seems the purpose of the arrangement into books and chapters? The sub-titles? Are there motifs or features of the book which suggest parallels with Greek tragedy? What is the reference in the epigraph?

What is the significance of the title? What difference would it have made had the novel been titled, say, Maggie Tulliver?

Preface: What aspects of the landscape does the narrator mention? (moistness) What do we learn about this region from the narrator’s description? (emphasis on labor, trade) What purpose do you think is served by Eliot’s descriptions of places?

What attention is given to working animals? Is this unusual?

What does the narrator claim is his relationship to the little girl he remembers? (has dreamed of the past) Are there indications that this novel may be autobiographical?

Can you tell the time period in which it was set? How old would Eliot herself have been at the time?

Based on your knowledge of Eliot’s life, can you comment on some possible autobiographical features of the novel?

Is the narrator presented as male or female? (concern with gender of narrator, who has worn a frock coat)

What purpose may be served by the opening descriptions of the Floss and its mill? What seems the tone of the opening chapter?

Are there elements of foreshadowing, here and in other early episodes of the novel?

 At what points does the narrator intervene throughout the opening sections? Do you think the presence of such a narrator adds to the tale?

 What kind of town is St. Ogg’s, and what seem features of the society it describes? (insular)

Chapter 1ff.

What are Mr. Tulliver’s motives in educating Tom? Are these altogether enlightened? On what grounds does Mr. Riley suggest the choice of Mr. Stelling as tutor?

What does the narrator indicate may be the results of Mr. Tulliver’s decision? Can he afford to pay 500 pounds annually to educate his son privately?

Why do Mrs. Tulliver’s family object to his decision? What point may Eliot be making about the way important decisions come to be made?

What is the character of Mrs. Tulliver? What are her chief interests in life? On what grounds does she disapprove of Maggie?

What are the parents’ respective attitudes toward their children? (father sorry that Tom isn’t brighter; education would be wasted on Maggie, mother disapproves of Maggie’s appearance and behavior, fails to criticize or attempt to train Tom)

Does either parent consider preparing Maggie for a possible future apart from marriage?

What are prominent traits of Maggie’s character? How do these cause her difficulty? What happens when she attempts to impart her knowledge to those around her, such as Luke?

Why may Maggie’s need for “love” be greater than Tom’s? In what way does she fail to conform to important gender conventions of her day? (dislikes sewing, finds too much attention to appearance tedious)
How are her reading tastes received?

In what ways does Tom domineer over her sister? What seems to be her response?

What seems to be Eliot’s intention in presenting the character of Luke? Why doesn’t he want to learn about different places? (would forget what he knows if he tried to learn more)

What speech registers do we encounter in the novel? How does each represent a difference in social class?

What attitudes may Eliot be satirizing in her portrayal of the Dodsons? Which strata of society would likely have had these? (prosperous upper-middle class of provinces)

What are their occupations? Their attitudes toward money and possessions? (talk constantly of what they will leave and to whom)

What is the tone of their relationships with one another? (competitive, censorious, self-promoting, comically misguided taste in clothes, such as “false fronts.” i. e., hairpieces) Between the sisters?

What do all seem to share in common? (narrow family chauvinism, great concern with dress as a means of display, respect for prosperity)

To what extent is George Eliot a humorist? a satirist? Who or what are objects of her heaviest satire?

Can you see ways in which she is also a moralist?

What purpose is served by the introduction of Bob Lakin? (contrast in situation, different form of ethics or its absence)

What do we learn about Tom’s character in this book? (rigid, self-righteous, not too perceptive) His treatment of Maggie?

His relationship with others, such as Bob Lakin, who offend him?

Can you identify some incidents or remarks in the text which may be instances of foreshadowing? (esp. images of drowning, Mrs. Tulliver’s fear that her children will drown, signs of tension between Tom and Maggie, indications that Mr. Tulliver’s understanding of his situation is bad; aggressiveness in his character; lack of common purpose between husband and wife)

What is Maggie’s relationship to her cousin Lucy Deane? What causes her to feel jealousy toward her? (everyone else praises her and prefers her) What do you make of the incident in which Maggie pushes Lucy into the mud?

What is indicated by the incident in which Maggie runs off to the gypsies? Is she well treated?

Do you think Eliot’s portrayal of the gypsies is realistic? (offer her their food, steal a thimble)

What concatenation of personal traits and events seems poised to cause trouble at the end of the book?

What do you make of the final allusion to Oedipus? Which aspects of this book will involve characteristics usually ascribed to Greek tragedy? (fall of a dominant male from high to low from pride, reversal and recognition)

Book 2: School Time

What is wrong, in the narrator’s view, with the education provided for Tom? What principles of education do you think Eliot espoused?

Even had Tom been more academically gifted, would the education provided have had its limitations? How does Eliot think the classics should be taught?

What criticisms does Eliot make of Mr. and Mrs. Stelling? (too eager for money, not helpful or kind to the pupils) What good has Mr. Stelling’s Oxford training done for him?

What are some features of Maggie’s visit to the Stellings? What frustrations does she suffer? (Mr. Stelling expresses the view that women can only learn superficially)

How do she and Tom differ in their view of Philip Wakem? How is Philip’s character presented?

How does Philip respond to Maggie? What do you make of the fact that she kisses him?

What causes the tensions between Tom and Philip? (Tom’s father has suggested that he won’t like Wakem’s son; Philip isn’t fond of sports)

What effect does Tom’s educational deficiencies have on his sensibility? (becomes a bit more sympathetic to others)

What consequences flow from Tom’s excited interest in possessing a real sword? What actions precipitate his cutting of his foot? (pretends to attack Maggie) Is Eliot making a point through this incident?

If you have read Tom Brown’s School Days, can you see parallels between Tom Tulliver and Tom Brown?

(both keen on fighting, very self-righteous) How do Thomas Hughes and George Eliot view differently the issue of individual violence as a means of enforcing order?

What event abruptly ends the book? (Mr. Tulliver has lost his lawsuit and become bankrupt)

What final image concludes this section? What literary echo does it contain? (end of Paradise Lost, as Adam and Eve go forth from Eden into the harsh world)

Book 3: Downfall

Chapter 1: What Had Happened at Home

What are some ways in which Mr. Tulliver’s fate, and the novel, exhibit features of classical tragedy? (tragic flaw, reversal and recognition)

What news precipitates Mr. Tulliver’s stroke? (deed to farm has been sold to Wakem)

What do Tulliver’s actions before and after his collapse reveal about his character? What consequences do you predict they may have?

To whom had he lent money, and from whom had he borrowed? How are we expected to judge these actions? (unwise to mortgage his furniture and to lend 250 pounds to Riley without security, kind to help his sister)

How does Tom respond to these revelations? Are his accusations accurate? (believes the lawyer had been plotting against his father; resolves never to speak to Philip again)

Why doesn’t Maggie argue against his statement?

Chapter 2: Mrs. Tulliver’s Teraphim, or Household Gods

How do Maggie, Mrs. Tulliver and Tom respond to Mr. Tulliver’s sickness and financial loss, and what does this reveal about their characters? (Maggie concerned for her father; Mrs. Tulliver feels self-pity and blames her husband; Tom takes mother’s side and blames father, joins him in hoping for revenge)

Chapter 3: The Family Council

How do the aunts and uncles respond to the news of Tulliver’s loss of the mill? (disapproval, feel his action has brought disgrace on them)

Are they willing to help the Tullivers? (unwilling to do more than purchase a few items, very cheap in how they describe their purchases)

How does Tom behave toward his aunts and uncles? (attempts to appeal to their self-interest, asks for a loan) His mother? His sister? (forbids her to interfere)

What is Maggie’s role in all this? (ignored, openly blames relatives for their selfishness)

Chapter 4: A Vanishing Gleam

What contrasting response to their loss is exhibited by their Aunt Moss?

Why hadn’t she appeared earlier? (hadn’t been told of her brother’s stroke and misfortune)

What view does Tom take of whether to require that the Mosses repay their loan? (sides with his father in not requiring it) Is his motive kindness toward his aunt? (desires to maintain his father’s decisions, little concern for what these are)

How does the narrator interpret this action? (honorable)

Do you think his behavior in this case is presented as consistent with his former character?

Who else has lent Mr. Tulliver money? (Luke) Will this be repaid?

What seems to be Eliot’s views about the repayment of debts? Would Victorians in general have agreed?

Chapter 5: Tom Applies His Knife to the Oyster

What traits are revealed in Tom’s interview with his uncle Deane? What opinions does he express of his former education and capacities? (doesn’t care for the kind of education he has received)

What kind of job does he seek? (hopes for a practical job such as held by his uncle)

How does his uncle respond? (lectures him on his ignorance, reflects with pride on his own past, eventually does give him a lowly position in his firm)

What is revealed by his words to his sister on her return home? (he will “take care of” her; she must obey him, 207)

Why doesn’t Maggie dispute this? Is she unable to seek independence?

Why doesn't Maggie dispute Tom's command that she not speak with Philip? Or his commitment to revenge?

Chapter 6: Tending to Refute the Popular Prejudice Against the Present of a Pocket Knife

To what does this chapter title ironically refer? In what way do Bob Jakin’s actions “refute the popular prejudice”? (Tom’s gift had been very important to him, 210)

What seems added to the plot by the reappearance of Bob Jakin? What light does it cast backward on the boys’ earlier fight? What does he offer Tom and Maggie? (9 of the 10 pounds he has earned)

What had Bob previously wanted to do with this money? Why do they not accept his offer?

How does his behavior contrast with that of the Tullivers’ more prosperous relatives? (offers Tom and Maggie 9 of the 10 pounds he has earned)

Chapter 7: How a Hen Takes to Stratagem

What reductive attitudes are embodied in this chapter title?

What reflections inspire Mrs. Tulliver to attempt to intervene in her husband’s affairs? (feels she has been too passive)

On what grounds does Mrs. Tulliver appeal for mercy to Mr. Wakem? (claims she disagrees with her husband’s dislike for him, appeals to her family past)

Why does her plan backfire? (Wakem realizes that Tulliver holds a continuing grudge against him) What words does he find especially offensive? (she refers to her handsome, physically well-favored son)

What would seem to be the narrator’s interpretation of this twist of events? (Mr. Tulliver’s choice of a simple-minded wife has backfired on him; Eliot generally severe on male tastes in women)

What is the narrator’s view of Wakem’s motives in buying the mill and employing Tulliver? (desire to do a seeming favor which will rankle)

What are some features of his private life? (224, has several illegitimate children and desires to provide for one of them through purchasing mill)

What kind of person does the narrator represent him as being? (sly and dishonest in his business dealings, 222)

Chapter 8: Daylight on the Wreck

What are some implications of this chapter title?

What persuades Mr. Tulliver to remain in the mill as Wakem's employee? (loves mill and land; his surroundings have become part of his identity)

Has Mr. Tulliver's illness changed him? What does he say to his wife when he agrees to do what will be best for her? (231)

Why does Tom disagree with his father's decision to remain at the mill, and what does this indicate about their differences? (has internalized his father’s grudges, 231, but is more stubborn and less realistic than even his father)

What separate roles are ascribed to men and women by the narrator? Do you think the narrator accepts this division, or may she be ironic? (harder for men to endure distress)

Chapter 9: An Item Added to the Family Register

To what “item” does this chapter title refer? Why do you think it is described so prosaically?

What do we learn about Tom’s private habits? (wants to eat alone) Does this seem a good sign for his future human relations?

What are Tulliver’s final thoughts during the period before his death?

What is the thematic significance of Tulliver’s demand that Tom inscribe in the family bible a promise to revenge his loss?

With what emotions does Tom obey? (eager to do so)

Why isn’t Maggie asked to make a similar promise? How does she respond to this? (protests)

What is the significance of recording such a promise in the bible? (sacrilegious; reflects seriousness and bindingness of promise)

How would Eliot have critiqued this action? How will his actions and attitudes affect the later fate of his children?

At this point in the plot, what problems have arisen? What outcome do you predict for them?

Book 4 “The Valley of Humiliation”

What circumstances give the book its title? What homely literary allusion does it contain? (Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress)

Chapter 1: A Variation of Protestantism Unknown to Bossuet

What is meant by the chapter title? In what way is it ironic?

What is the significance of the opening passages about flooding on the Rhone and the days of medieval romance? (narrator asserts need for some higher life; expresses sympathy)

Of what uncheering fact does the narrator remind the reader, and how is this related to the problems of the Tullivers? (all ordinary concerns will be swept away, including the knowledge of their struggles)

What traits of Dobson behavior does the narrator dwell on in this context? (wished to be richer than was supposed, equated their own prosperity with virtue, no sympathy for poverty or failure in business)

Chapter 2: The Torn Nest is Pierced by the Thorns

What is the Tulliver family situation as the book opens?

How does each member of the family react to their decline in status and income? (both parents attempt to conserve money in order to repay creditors; Tom weary and preoccupied; lacking other outlets, Maggie turns to religion)

What has become Tom’s attitude toward his parents? (irritated by them)

How has Mrs. Tulliver’s attitude toward her daughter changed? (kinder, becomes fond of her, admires her appearance) Do you find this plausible?

Chapter 3: A Voice from the Past

What has happened to Maggie’s schooling? May this account for some of her depression during this stage of her life?

Why does Maggie turn to religion for guidance, and what form of religion does she espouse? (her circumstances render her needy, wants an explanation of her narrow life, 251)

What attitudes are advocated by St. Thomas a Kempis? (entire renunciation of self, absence of desires)

What critique of her choices will Philip later make? Do you think the author agrees with him? (yes, 255, renunciation is sorrow; lack of options produces need for extremes, 256)

Who is this “voice from the past”? What does this seem to indicate about Tom’s earlier judgment?

What offerings does Bob bring to Maggie, and how does she respond? (he brings her books he has been able to purchase, for which she thanks him)

What does Maggie urge him not to do? (cheat) Does he heed her admonition? (promises to behave more honestly)

What does Mr. Tulliver regret as he considers Maggie’s future?

What future is adumbrated by the book’s final sentence? Is it a good sign that Mr. Tulliver still wants revenge?

“Wheat and Tares,” Book Five

What allusion is referred to in the title? Which actions are the wheat, and which the tares?

Chapter 1: In the Red Deeps

What are some implications of the description, “Red Deeps”? Are these reassuring?

What intervening changes have occurred in Maggie at age 17? (has turned to asceticism)

What does the narrator emphasize in describing her first meeting with Philip after some years? What do you make of the fact that she asks him to comment on her appearance?

Does the narrator approve of their meetings? How can you tell?

On what grounds is Maggie seen to be at fault, and how are these different from those for which Philip is blamed? Is this a view one would expect in a Victorian novel?

What issues do they discuss, and how do their opinions differ? What does Philip predict about Maggie’s future? Do you think he is correct?

Chapter 2: Aunt Glegg Learns the Breadth of Bob’s Thumb

What prompts Tom and Bob Lakin to visit the Gleggs together? Does it seem in character for Tom to wish to borrow in order to speculate?

What ventures enrich Tom so rapidly? What do you think of the plausibility of Eliot’s account of the Tulliver and Deane family’s participation in Luke’s trade?

Why do you think this chapter is included?

Chapter 3: The Wavering Balance

To what does the chapter title refer? What problems do Philip and Maggie confide to each other?

What does the narrator think of their meeting? What excuses does she make for Philip?

What do you make of the fact that the narrator notes his “pale-hued, small-featured face” and describes him as “half feminine in sensitiveness”?

Chapter 4: Another Love-Scene

What are Maggie’s reading tastes? What kinds of heroes and heroines does she prefer? Is Philip’s prediction that Maggie may carry the love away from her blond cousin Lucy accurate?

Does Maggie seem attracted to Philip? On what grounds does she readily agree that she “loves” him?

What does the narrator describe as her motive?

Why is emphasis placed on Maggie’s childlikeness, innocence and girlishness?

Do you think the narrator considers this to be a promising future union?

Chapter 5: The Cloven Tree

What is “the cloven tree”?

What incident causes Tom to suspect that Philip has been visiting Maggie?

What does Tom demand that she tell him, and what does he threaten? Does she admit that she has been wrong?

 In addition to his grudge against Philip’s father, what are Tom’s motives for disapproval of Maggie’s meetings with Philip?

How does he react when Philip joins Maggie and him? On what grounds does he consider Philip’s behavior dishonorable?

How do Philip and Maggie each respond to his anger? Does Maggie stand up for Philip?

Of what does Maggie accuse her brother, and on what grounds does she assert that she won’t abide by his proscription? Does she keep her resolution?

Would Victorians have assumed that a sister was obligated to obey her brother?

What telling emotion does Maggie feel in the wake of enforced separation from Philip?

Chapter 6: The Hard-Won Triumph

What is this triumph?

What attitude toward debt was shared by the Tulliver family? Do you think this was a common attitude in Victorian England?

How does each respond to the good news that Tom has acquired enough money to pay his father’s debts? What dream does Mr. Tulliver have that evening?

Chapter 7: A Day of Reckoning

What double meanings are encoded in this chapter title?

What event brings about Mr. Tulliver’s death? Who is at fault in his encounter with Wakem? What may have been the result of Maggie’s intervention?

What are Mr. Tulliver’s last words?

How do Tom and Maggie respond to their father’s death? For what does Maggie ask, and is this ominous?

Book 6: “The Great Temptation”

What are some implications of the title? Why are the events described interpreted as a “temptation,” rather than a romance?

Chapter 1: A Duet in Paradise

Who are the participants in the duet? What do we learn of the relationship between Lucy and Maggie? Of Lucy’s character?

How is Stephen first presented? In what ways do you think the author means to criticize him?

How is music made to carry some of the themes of the book?

To whom does Stephen compare himself and Lucy? Is this an ominous metaphor? Who/what then enters the garden?

How is the relationship between Stephen and Lucy described? Do you think the narrator feels it is lacking in any way?

What changes have occurred in Maggie’s situation in the intervening two years since her father’s death?

Chapter 2: First Impressions

Had Maggie enjoyed life as a schoolteacher?

What does Maggie think about the suitability of seeing Philip again?

How do Maggie and Stephen respond to one another on first meeting?

What do we learn of Dr. Kenn? What future ambitions does Stephen harbor?

What feature of Maggie’s appearance do her female relatives make much of?

Chapter 3: Confidential Moments

In what ways has Maggie’s outlook on life changed in the past two years?

Why won’t she see Philip without first obtaining Tom’s permission? What is Lucy’s response to this?

What details does Maggie omit from her account to Lucy of Philip and Tom’s clash, and are these omissions significant? Has she been, in the narrator’s words, “completely sincere”?

Does Lucy think the union of Philip and Maggie would be a happy outcome, and how are we to evaluate her opinion?

How are we to interpret Maggie’s feeling of chill at Lucy’s kind projections?

 In your view, how are the narrator's references to Philip's deformity intended to affect our judgment of Maggie's lack of romantic interest in him?

Chapter 4: Brother and Sister

With whom is Tom lodging? What does Bob suggest to Maggie may be Tom’s state of mind?

What themes are reiterated in the scene in which Maggie asks Tom’s permission to join a social group which includes Philip?

What does he threaten? Why doesn’t she simply ignore him?

What has Maggie done after their father’s death that annoys him? Is the reader expected to agree with him?

What prompts Maggie to agree that marriage to Philip would be wrong?

Does Maggie view her relationship to Philip as a romantic one?

Chapter 5: Showing that Tom had opened the Oyster

What offer does Mr. Deane make to Tom? What does Tom ask in return?

What remark does Tom make about his interests? What seems the narrator’s response?

Chapter 6: Illustrating the Laws of Attraction

What is the significance of the metaphor of a full and rapid river?

How is Stephen and Maggie’s attraction toward each other manifested?  

Do we know if they are compatible? What are some of the circumstances which draw them together?  

What private opinions does Stephen hold of Maggie? What contradictory emotions does he sense in her?

Chapter 7: Philip Re-Enters

What emotions do Maggie and Philip feel when together again? What future does Maggie anticipate for herself? Does she view her relationship with him as a romantic one?

What emotions does Philip convey through singing? What are some symbolic aspects of the songs sung by the group?

Is Stephen an intelligent and cultured man? What is his attitude toward Philip?

With what motives does Lucy speak to her father about Wakem’s mill? What does she report of the Tullivers’ desire to reclaim their former mill?

Is she quite accurate in describing the situation  to her father?

Whose support does she think will help this cause?

Chapter 8: Wakem in a New Light

What prompts Philip to encourage his father to sell the Tulliver’s former mill to Guest and Co.?

How does Mr. Wakem senior respond to the news that his son loves the daughter of his old enemy?

What arguments does Philip use to attempt to persuade his father to sanction his choice? Do you think these are good ones?

What do we learn about Philip’s economic prospects?

How is his relationship with his son contrasted with that of Mr. Tulliver with his own children?

Chapter 9: Charity in Full Dress

Who visits Maggie’s booth at the charity bazaar? How does each man respond? (Mr. Wakem, Stephen, Dr. Kenn) Who watches from afar, and with what anxiety?

What reason does Maggie give to Lucy for her intended departure from St. Ogg’s? How does she tell Lucy she views the prospect of a marriage with Philip? (states she cannot break with her brother)

What reasons does she give for her attachment to Philip? Do these seem adequate?

Has she set up a problem which, should she live, would follow her throughout life? (can’t marry anyone except Philip and can’t marry Philip because of her brother)

Do you believe she knows her own intentions? Is Lucy entirely convinced?

Chapter 10: The Spell Seems Broken

At what occasion does Maggie dance, and what kind of dances does she prefer? (country dances rather than waltzes) What meaning would this have had for a Victorian reader?

What emotions overtake Maggie and Stephen in the conservatory? What seems symbolic about the setting and her desire to pluck a rose?

What do you make of the paragraph in which the narrator describes the attractive qualities of a woman’s arm? From whose point of view are we expected to interpret it?

What causes Maggie to feel affront? How are readers expected to view Stephen’s kissing of her arm?
When Philip visits Maggie, of what does she assure him?

What do you make of the fact that she holds his hand, and proclaims her memory of past times? (avoids love in the present; leads him on through gestures which, if she does not intend to marry him, will be misleading)

Chapter 11: In the Lane

Under what circumstances does Stephen press his claims? (interview at her Aunt Moss’s) What is the general tone of their conversation? (both at first resentful, he pleads for respect, she firmly says no)

What are some features of Stephen’s courtship? Is it important that he desires marriage?

On what grounds does Maggie reject his pleas? How do you think the narrator believes she should respond?  (states that spiritual force of past helps her in this moment)

What do you think of her claim that they owe to Lucy and Philip a denial of their feelings for each other? Of his claim that she owes a duty to herself and to him? (Lucy and Philip would surely be distressed to marry someone who loved another)

Why don’t Stephen and Maggie consider the issue of whether they are personally compatible? Has he given reasons for his sudden love for her, and do you find it convincing?

Does her claim that she would rather die than marry Stephen seem ominous? Does her statement that she won’t marry anyone except Philip seem to cover all aspects of the situation? (fails to claim that she loves him)

How convincing is Maggie’s claim that morality consists of fulfilling “the expectations that we have raised in other minds”? (other-directed, begs issue of actions themselves)

Is it surprising that Maggie claims to “love” Stephen? What is meant by love in this context?

Would a Victorian audience have approved of their kiss? (reviewers were quite offended at her behavior)

How has her Aunt Moss viewed Maggie’s conversation with her visitor? (wishes her well)

To what emotions does Maggie give way after Stephen’s departure? What effect is the narrator’s description of her as “poor child”?

Chapter 12: A Family Party

What course of events makes it possible for Tom to take over the mill? (Jetsome, the current tenant, fell off his horse while in a drunken state) What will be the result? (Mrs. Tulliver and Tom will move to their former residence, and presumably could offer Maggie a home)

How do Maggie’s relatives view her continuing as a teacher? Why might she not want to live with her family?

Why isn’t Lucy able to persuade Tom to ignore his repugnance to Philip? What does the narrator present as Tom’s motives?

What unintended consequence results from this conversation? (Tom assumes Maggie may intend to marry Philip)

How is this incident important to the novel’s plot?

Chapter 13:Borne Along by the Tide

How does Philip react to his recognition that a repressed attraction exists between Maggie and Stephen? (too agitated to take boat ride)

What chain of circumstances causes Maggie and Stephen to be left alone? What mood are they in?

What might have prevented their problems? (could have refrained from boat ride—a bit suggestive in mind of Victorian reader?

What symbolism inheres in Stephen and Maggie’s riverboat journey? Are they both responsible for what happens? If so, why does Maggie blame Stephen?

Why do they both feel their absence will cause consternation at home? Was taking the boat to Mudport a good idea? Even if not, what explanations might they have offered?

Why does Stephen suggest that they marry in Scotland? (could have married in next county!)

What does the narrator seem to feel were Maggie’s options? Might there have been others? (their delay and sense of guilt would have made them seem guilty)

Chapter 14: The Waking

What dream does Maggie have while on the boat, and what does it seem to foreshadow? How do Lucy and Philip enter her thoughts? (could not give them pain) 

What does she do to separate from Stephen? (takes coach to York, delaying her return) Would she have been able to pay for this?   

What motives prompt Maggie to return home at the book’s end, and what emotions does she continue to feel toward Stephen?

Do you think Maggie’s actions/emotions are consistent? Repressive and self-destructive? Will anyone in fact benefit from her rejection of Stephen? (not her family, certainly; perhaps Lucy; perhaps slightly Philip)

The Final Rescue

To what “rescue” does the title refer? Might more than one form of “rescue” be meant?

Chapter 1: The Return to the Mill

What greeting does she receive from Tom on her return? What does he believe she has done, and with what consequences?

What decision does her mother make, and does this surprise you? Does his decision to evict both women seem surprising?  Where do they lodge?

What part is played in the narrative by Bob Jakin? What attitude does he hold towards her? (respect, has named his daughter after her)

What request does she make? (that he inquire of Dr. Kenn on her behalf) What has recently happened to Dr. Kenn? (his wife has died)

Chapter 2: St. Ogg’s Passes Judgment

How do the members of St. Ogg’s society view the conduct of Maggie and Stephen? (blame her)

What are Maggie’s plans of self-support? (to sew, to find work in St. Ogg’s)

What news has come of Lucy and Stephen? (Lucy has collapsed into sickness but is mending, Stephen has vindicated her and gone abroad)

How does Dr. Kenn respond to her confession? (thinks she has done right, but also counsels her to leave area) Do you think his advice is good?

What does he privately think? (feels a marriage with Stephen might make sense, but shares her view that conscience is operating on her and must be followed)

Why won’t she leave the area? (clings to past)

What are the narrator’s final comments on passion and duty? (can’t judge unless we have experienced)

Chapter 3: Showing that Old Acquaintances are Capable of Surprising Us

How do her aunts Glegg and Pullet respond to the news of Maggie’s defection? Her uncles? Do these reactions seem what one might have anticipated?

How does Philip react to the relationship between Maggie and Stephen? (his health suffers) What sentiments does he express in his farewell letter to her?

To what does he attribute her attraction to Stephen? (a lower part of her nature)

What does he believe has been the effect of his love for her on his life?

Does the tone suggest that he hopes they may marry? (no, he accepts loss of her love) What will be he effect of her rejection? (neurasthenic headaches)

Chapter 4: Maggie and Lucy

What offer of support does Maggie refuse? (her aunt Glegg had offered to take her in) Who gives her employment? (hired as governess by Dr. Kenn)

On what grounds do Maggie and Lucy make peace? For what does Lucy thank Maggie? (has “given up” Stephen) What does Maggie reassure her in return? (he will return and be happy with Lucy)

Does Maggie have evidence for this? Will her prediction prove correct?

Chapter 5: The Last Conflict

What options does Maggie seem to have, and which of these does she choose? (Dr. Kenn has advised her to leave, and stated that he will attempt to gain employment for her elsewhere)

What letter from Stephen increases her inner conflict? What does she do to the letter? (burns it!)

Is there symbolism inherent in the timing of the flood’s beginning? (has decided again to renounce him)

Does Maggie row in a direction which would have saved her? Is there symbolism to her return to her childhood home?

What has happened to the Jakins? (left without a boat!)

What is Tom’s response to Maggie’s attempt to save his life? How are brother and sister joined? (embraces her as wave overtakes them)

In your view, does this ending seem to resolve the tensions of the book? Or reenact them?

Granted the assumptions of the narrator about the inviolability of original ties, can you think of any way in which Maggie might have achieved a resolution of her many inner conflicts on the threshold of maturation?

Does the narrator/author wish the reader to believe that a great moral “rescue” has enabled Maggie to be reunited with her childhood companion? Or might other feelings prompt the book’s violent ending?

Conclusion:

Has nature returned to its original state within a few years of the flood?

What events occur after the siblings’ deaths? Do these affect our views of any of the participants?

What is the relevance of the biblical quotation? In the original, to what had it referred?

Is the conclusion calming? Does it provide any closure?

Is this book a tragedy? What enduring themes does it seem to raise?

Which of these may have had special relevance for Victorian women?

On what grounds might some reviewers have found this an “immoral” book? On what grounds might a modern reader defend or criticize its intentions?