The Mill on the Floss
All Aboard Reading Series
What’s inside...
Maggie Tulliver, a passionate and imaginative girl, navigates family dynamics and societal expectations in a small English village. Her deep bond with her brother is strained by her friendship with a disapproved boy, leading to tragic outcomes. 'Penguin Readers' is a series aimed at fostering English reading skills through simplified novels and diverse titles, accessible for English learners and native speakers with varying reading levels. The series is categorized by difficulty and genre, offering supplementary material for educational support. The Macmillan Collector's Library presents classic titles in beautifully crafted pocket-sized editions, designed for book enthusiasts to cherish.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
672 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maggie Tulliver
Lucy Deane
Philip Wakem
Tom Tulliver
Mr. Tulliver
Mr. Wakem
Stephen Guest
Discussion points
How did Maggie's relationship with her family affect her decisions throughout the story?
What do you think are the main themes of 'The Mill on the Floss' and how do they relate to our current lives?
Why do you think Tom and Maggie have such a complex relationship? Can you relate their experiences to any of your own friendships or sibling relationships?
In what ways do the characters in the book show resilience in the face of difficulties?
How does the setting of the mill play a role in shaping the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deep and meaningful conversation, focus on the feelings and motivations of the characters. Encourage your child to think about how the characters' decisions reflect their internal conflicts and values. Allow space for personal reflection, asking your child how they might react in similar situations. Highlighting the historical and social context of the story can also enrich the discussion, making connections to the present day.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Maggie Tulliver’s struggles and relationships, readers learn the value of understanding others’ emotions and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by trying to see things from their friends’ or family members’ viewpoints, promoting harmony and deeper connections.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The novel portrays how both Maggie and Tom's choices lead to lasting impacts on their lives and those around them, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the potential long-term effects of their actions on themselves and others, encouraging responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Maggie’s ability to persevere despite various hardships teaches the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face challenges head-on and not to be disheartened by setbacks, building their character and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: Maggie's thirst for learning highlights how education can be a tool for personal growth and empowerment.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to value and pursue education, understanding it as a pathway to personal development and opportunities.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: Throughout the novel, characters face situations that require forgiving others to move forward, teaching the value of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of letting go of grudges and the role of forgiveness in healing and maintaining relationships.