In "The Mill on the Floss," what are the main themes explored by George Eliot?

In "The Mill on the Floss," George Eliot intricately examines the themes of family, gender roles, and social expectations, which are essential to understanding the characters and their struggles. The relationship between siblings, particularly between Maggie Tulliver and her brother Tom, is central to the narrative and highlights the dynamics of family loyalty and conflict.

Eliot also scrutinizes the constraints imposed by societal norms on women during the Victorian era. Maggie's character embodies the tension between the desire for personal freedom and the expectations of gender roles, revealing her struggles against societal pressure to conform. The novel poignantly illustrates how these social expectations can shape and sometimes hinder the lives of individuals, especially women.

This approach to themes fosters a deep exploration of character development and societal critique, making it a pivotal aspect of Eliot's work. The complexities of relationship dynamics and societal constraints are fundamental to understanding the narrative and the emotional depth of the characters within the story.