George Eliot s novel The Mill on the Floss, orginally published in 1860 as three volumes. Maggie Tulliver is the protagonist and the story begins when she is 9 years old. Maggie Tulliver s entire life has been spent in the shadow of Dorlcote Mill on the River Floss with her beloved older brother, Tom.The Mill on the Floss is the story of Maggie Tulliver s search for love, and acceptance by her family and community, and of her need for intellectual and spiritual growth. Her relationship with her older brother Tom, and her romantic relationships with Philip Wakem and with Stephen Guest constitute the most significant narrative threads. Misunderstood Maggie Tulliver is torn. Her rebellious and passionate nature demands expression, while her provincial kin and community expect self-denial. Based closely on the author s own life, Maggie s story explores the conflicts of love and loyalty and the friction between desire and moral responsibility. A classic work of 19th century literature, The Mill on the Floss remains a popular and enduring example of George Eliot s impact on English literature.