The Mill on the Floss , published in 1860, is a vivid portrayal of childhood and adolescence in rural England. The novel centres on Maggie Tulliver, whose passionate and imaginative nature brings her into conflict with the middle-class narrowness of St Ogg’s and, more poignantly, with her beloved brother Tom. The result is one of George Eliot’s best-loved works containing an The Mill on the Floss , published in 1860, is a vivid portrayal of childhood and adolescence in rural England. The novel centres on Maggie Tulliver, whose passionate and imaginative nature brings her into conflict with the middle-class narrowness of St Ogg’s and, more poignantly, with her beloved brother Tom. The result is one of George Eliot’s best-loved works containing an affectionate and perceptive study of provincial life, a brilliant evocation of the complexities of human relationships and a heroine whose rebellious spirit closely resembles George Eliot’s own.