Three Modern Approaches to the Problem of Maggie's Choices in The Mill on the Floss

• Main Authors: Chen, Rong-fong, 陳榮峰
• Other Authors: Mei-ying Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 1998
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/53067009225048237015

碩士 === 國立彰化師範大學 === 英語研究所 === 86 === This thesis attempts to provide an interpretation of George Eliot's The Mill on the Floss in terms of one of its dominant themes--the choices of Maggie Tulliver's choices--to enhance the comprehension of the test, as well as tp swwhow it shapes hte tragoc story of its heroine. In my opinion,Maffie has been confronted with numerous choices throughout her life, of which three seem to carry thematic significance. The three choices may be termed moral, ideological and psychological choices. By the application of feminist, ideological and psychological theories, this thesis aims at an in-depth look into these choices This thesis consists of five sections. In addition to a gerneral introduction and a brief conclusion, the main body of the thesis includes three Chapters, each devoted to the discussion of one of Maggie's three choices. Thefirst choice deals with Maggie's moral choice. By the use of Simone de Beauvoir and other feminists' assertions, Maggie is seem as puzzled by two conflicting images of women--demon and martyr. Although her childhood deeds such as letting the rabbits die and punishing the wooden doll turn her into a demon, her learning of Thomas a Kempis offers her a touch of heaven. Eventuallyby Philip's assistance, she obtains the truth of martyrdom and of her selfhood, which helps her to the final renunciation of Stephen. The second chapter handles Maggie's ideological choice, in which she mustchoose from two comparatively different family traits, two beleif systems. Inapplying Martin Seliger's ideas of ideology as belief system, we see Maggie tornbetween two crucial forms of ideology of the early and mid-Victorian time--thepre-industrial, Romantic spirit as embodied by the Tullivers, and the self-interested, materialistic middle class ideology as represented by the Dodons. The third and final chapter explores Maggie's psychological choice, a choice between two lovers--Philip and Stephen. By the applying the Freudiantheory of the three psychic forces, Maggie's problem is viewed as a conflict between her id superegp, with her as the ego at the middle of the conflict. The conscientious, self- controlled Philip speaks to her superegp. her conscience, while the sexually attractive Stephen appeals to her id, herdesiresand passions. But Maggie is not able to choose either man because she finds itdifficult to establish a harmony between the two conflicting forces. Thepsychological balance is finally reached when Maggie and her brother Yom reunitein the flooded river. This thesis, in viewing this classic text of Goerge Eliot in light of the three modern approaches, is able to see Maggie's dilemmas from various aspects.Through this thesis, we are able to realize that Maggie's problems and strugglenot only result from her ambivalent state of psychology, they also derive from the environment and affairs she is involved in. Thus, Maggie is simply a victim of her time, her gender and her society.