The Mill on the Floss Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"It would make me in love with the world again, as I used to be; it would make me long to see and know many things - it would make me long for a full life." (5.1.52)

Maggie is asking Philip to not give her any literature to read here. Art and culture act as conduits for Maggie and inspire in her a sort of joyful love for the "world" and for life that frightens her. Love of that sort seems to open Maggie up to pain and disappointment as well as joy.

Quote #5

She and Stephen were in that stage of courtship which makes the most exquisite moment of youth, the freshest blossom-time of passion - when each is sure of the other’s love, but no formal declaration has been made and all is mutual divination. (6.1.37)

The type of love that exists between Stephen and Lucy greatly contrasts with the type of passionate, sexual love that later exists between Stephen and Maggie. The love highlighted here is very sweet and innocent.

Quote #6

She wished she had assured him more distinctly in their conversation that she desired not to renew the hope of love between them, only because it clashed with her inevitable circumstances. She was touched not thrilled by the song; it suggested distinct memories and thoughts, and brought quiet regret in the place of excitement. (6.7.53)

This passage is very telling of Maggie’s true feelings for Philip, which she is in denial about. This denial is reflected here. The first sentence seems like it’s going to end with Maggie not desiring to "renew" Philips hopes at all, only to shift suddenly during an added clause, that clarifies her lack of interest. Philip’s song to Maggie also fails to excite or thrill her. Her feelings for Philip seems to be inspired more by sympathy and "regret."