Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Social determinism, a core tenet of realist literature, posits that an individual’s actions and even thoughts are largely determined by their social environment, including class, gender, and prevailing cultural norms. George Eliot’s *The Mill on the Floss* (1861) is deeply embedded in this framework, portraying the stifling constraints placed upon individuals, particularly women, within a rigid Victorian society. The novel meticulously details the limitations imposed on Maggie Tulliver, whose intelligence, scholarly competence, and vibrant imagination, rather than being celebrated, become significant liabilities, hindering her happiness and ultimately contributing to her tragic fate. This essay will explore how Eliot utilizes Maggie’s character to demonstrate the destructive power of social determinism on a woman’s potential.
The Constraints of Victorian Society and Female Intellect
Victorian England was characterized by a strict code of conduct, particularly for women. The ‘Angel in the House’ ideal – a woman’s supposed role as a domestic, pious, and submissive figure – dominated societal expectations. Maggie Tulliver, however, consistently defies this archetype. Her intellectual curiosity, evident from a young age, leads her to seek knowledge beyond the prescribed feminine sphere. She devours books, engages in philosophical thought, and possesses a critical mind, all qualities deemed unsuitable and even threatening for a woman of her social standing.
Maggie’s Intelligence as a Liability
Maggie’s intelligence manifests in several ways that bring her into conflict with her environment. Firstly, her capacity for abstract thought and her desire for self-improvement are often misinterpreted as rebelliousness or vanity. Her attempts to educate herself, initially through her brother Tom’s books, are viewed with suspicion. Secondly, her strong will and independent spirit are perceived as ‘unfeminine’ and ‘headstrong’. This is particularly evident in her relationship with Philip Wakem, a physically disabled and socially marginalized man. Her intellectual connection with Philip, while fulfilling for her, is deemed scandalous by her family and community, highlighting the societal prohibition against women pursuing intellectual companionship outside of socially acceptable boundaries.
Scholarly Competence and Social Expectations
Maggie’s scholarly competence, though largely self-taught, is further hampered by the lack of educational opportunities available to women. She demonstrates a remarkable ability to learn languages and grasp complex ideas, but these skills are rendered largely useless in a society that prioritizes domesticity and marriage for women. Her attempts to earn a living through teaching are thwarted by societal prejudice and the limited scope for female employment. This lack of opportunity reinforces her dependence on male relatives and further restricts her agency.
Imagination and the Suppression of Female Desire
Perhaps the most significant liability is Maggie’s wide-ranging imagination. Her capacity for empathy, her vivid inner life, and her passionate nature are all seen as dangerous deviations from the Victorian ideal of female restraint. Her brief, impulsive affair with Stephen Guest, while morally ambiguous, is largely a consequence of her suppressed desires and the lack of emotional fulfillment in her life. The societal condemnation she faces after this incident demonstrates the unforgiving nature of Victorian morality and the severe consequences for women who transgress social norms. The novel doesn’t necessarily condone the affair, but it powerfully illustrates how societal repression can drive individuals to desperate measures.
Social Determinism in Action: The Tulliver Family and St. Ogg’s
The Tulliver family itself embodies the forces of social determinism. Mr. Tulliver’s rigid adherence to tradition and his inability to adapt to changing economic circumstances contribute to the family’s downfall. Tom’s unwavering commitment to restoring the family’s honor, while admirable, is ultimately destructive, as it prioritizes social reputation over Maggie’s happiness. The community of St. Ogg’s, with its gossiping and judgmental nature, further reinforces the constraints placed upon Maggie. The novel demonstrates how individuals are trapped within a web of social expectations and economic realities that limit their choices and shape their destinies.
Comparison with other Victorian Novels
| Novel | Female Protagonist | Social Constraints | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë) | Jane Eyre | Class, Gender, Religious Hypocrisy | Achieves independence and love on her own terms |
| Middlemarch (George Eliot) | Dorothea Brooke | Limited opportunities for intellectual and social fulfillment | Finds a degree of purpose through medical work, but experiences disillusionment |
| The Mill on the Floss (George Eliot) | Maggie Tulliver | Rigid social expectations, gender roles, family honor | Tragic death, symbolizing the destructive power of social determinism |
Conclusion
In conclusion, *The Mill on the Floss* serves as a powerful indictment of the social forces that stifle individual potential, particularly for women in Victorian England. Maggie Tulliver’s intelligence, scholarly competence, and imagination, far from being strengths, become liabilities within a society that prioritizes conformity and restricts female agency. Her tragic fate underscores the devastating consequences of social determinism and highlights the limitations imposed upon those who dare to challenge the prevailing norms. Eliot’s novel remains relevant today as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the importance of creating a society that values and nurtures individual talent, regardless of social expectations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.