How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
A deficit of more than five hundred pounds with the accumulating interest seemed a deep pit to fill [...]. On this one point there was entire community of feeling in the four widely differing beings who sat round the dying fire of sticks which made a cheap warmth for them on the verge of bed time. (4.2.4)
This scene paints a powerful picture of the Tulliver family after they go bankrupt. They are bound together by a shared misery and despite their wildly "differing" personalities, they come together around a pitiful fire each night, symbolically uniting as a family during a time of hardship.
Quote #5
She rebelled against her lot, she fainted under its loneliness, and fits even of anger and hatred towards her father and mother who were so unlike what she would have them to be - towards Tom, who checked her, and met her thought or feeling always by some thwarting difference - would flow out over her affections and conscience like a lava stream and frighten her [...] (4.3.35)
This is a pivotal passage for Maggie’s character. Though family love and loyalty are hugely important to her, it isn’t always easy to remain loving and loyal. Maggie struggles with her family and with the fact that you can’t choose your family. Her growing anger is vividly felt with the "lava" simile, too.
Quote #6
"I get weary of my home. And that cuts me to the heart afterwards that I should ever have felt weary of my father and mother. I think what you call being benumbed was better - better for me - for then my selfish desires were benumbed." (5.4.25)
This provides an interesting contrast to Maggie’s "lava" like frustration with her family. After growing angry with them, Maggie experiences inevitable guilt and wonders if feeling nothing at all (no more lava flows, so to speak) might not be better.