Analysis Of Maggie’s Tragedy From The Perspective Of Feminism

George Eliot is a Victorian writer. She produced many remarkable works. Among these works, The Mill on the Floss is an excellent one. This novel is an autobiography. The heroine Maggie is a panorama of Eliot. It appears that Maggie is brave and wise. However, her life is full of tragedies. The study analyzes Maggie’s tragedy from the perspective of feminism. It consists of the following parts:The first part is the introduction. It introduces Eliot and her work The Mill on the Floss. It summarizes the previous studies on the novel. As well, thesis structure of the study is presented.The second part is the body. It consists of four chapters. Chapter one focuses on the subordinate economic status of Maggie. Maggie is attached to the mill. She is economically dependent upon her father and brother. Though intelligent, she lacks good education. She obtains a job under decent conditions. Chapter two analyzes Maggie’s aphasia at home. She keeps silent, and is obedient to her father and brother. With an unconventional appearance, she is considered a monstrous creature in the eyes of her relatives. Though brave, she fails in rebelling against patriarchy. Chapter three analyzes Maggie’s sacrifice of seeking happy marriage. Her relation to Phillip is like brother-sister, not that between lovers. She regards Phillip as a brother who needs care. Then, she falls in love with Stephen. But when the flood comes, she abandons him to rescue her brother. Chapter four analyzes Maggie’s failure in the pursuit of self-hood. In the end, she returns to a traditional woman. Her dreams and ideals are not realized. She oppresses herself a lot. As a result, she is mentally breakdown.The last part is the concluding part. It summarizes the study, concludes its shortcomings, points out future directions.