Psych Aspects in Maggie
User
What are the psychological aspects like repression sublimation displacement in the character of Maggie
from Mill on The Floss
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Maggie Tulliver, the protagonist of George Eliot's novel "The Mill on the Floss," is a complex character
with several psychological aspects. While repression, sublimation, and displacement are not explicitly
discussed in the novel, we can explore how these concepts might be relevant to understanding Maggie's
character.
Repression: Repression refers to the unconscious defense mechanism of excluding unwanted or anxiety-
provoking thoughts and emotions from conscious awareness. Maggie exhibits elements of repression in
her attempt to conform to societal expectations and suppress her desires and passions. Throughout the
novel, she struggles with the conflict between her natural inclinations and the rigid social norms of her
time. Her repressed emotions and desires often surface in moments of rebellion or internal turmoil.
For example, Maggie represses her love for Philip Wakem, who is considered socially unacceptable due
to his physical deformity and his family's feud with Maggie's own. She tries to suppress her feelings for
Philip and conform to societal expectations by pursuing a more socially acceptable relationship with her
cousin, Stephen Guest. However, her repressed feelings for Philip resurface later, leading to a series of
tragic events.
Sublimation: Sublimation is a defense mechanism in which unacceptable impulses or desires are
redirected into socially acceptable outlets. While not explicitly portrayed as sublimation in the novel,
one could argue that Maggie channels her passion for knowledge, her love of music, and her artistic
abilities into socially acceptable pursuits. These activities provide her with a sense of fulfillment and
personal growth, allowing her to find solace and express herself within the constraints of her society.
Maggie's intellectual pursuits and her strong attachment to books and learning can be seen as a form of
sublimation. Her passion for music, particularly her ability to play the piano, also serves as a means of
emotional release and expression. These outlets offer Maggie a way to channel her intense emotions
and desires constructively, providing her with a sense of purpose and individuality.
Displacement: Displacement involves redirecting emotions or impulses from their original target to a
substitute target. While displacement is not explicitly discussed in the novel, one could argue that
Maggie experiences displacement in her relationships and emotional attachments. She often transfers
her emotional intensity and desires onto different individuals, leading to complex and sometimes
conflicted relationships.
For instance, Maggie's displacement of her love for Philip Wakem onto Stephen Guest ultimately causes
a great deal of emotional turmoil and tragedy. Her intense emotions and desires, which she represses
and cannot openly express, find an outlet in her relationships with others, leading to a tangled web of
unrequited love and unfulfilled desires.
It's important to note that while these psychological aspects can provide insights into understanding
Maggie's character, they are interpretations based on psychological concepts and not explicit elements
described within the novel. George Eliot's exploration of Maggie's psyche primarily focuses on her
internal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the clash between individual desires and societal expectations.
User
Other psychoanalytical points like denial, projection etc
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Certainly! In addition to repression, sublimation, and displacement, there are other psychoanalytical
concepts that can be relevant to understanding Maggie's character in "The Mill on the Floss." Here are a
few additional points:
Denial: Denial is a defense mechanism characterized by the refusal to acknowledge or accept the reality
of a distressing situation or truth. Maggie displays elements of denial in her relationship with her
brother, Tom. Despite Tom's often condescending and restrictive attitude towards her, Maggie
continues to idealize and seek his approval. She denies the extent of Tom's negative impact on her life
and remains hopeful that their relationship will improve over time.
Projection: Projection involves attributing one's own thoughts, feelings, or characteristics onto others.
Maggie demonstrates elements of projection in her perception of others, particularly when it comes to
her own inner conflicts and desires. For example, she projects her own passionate nature and longing
for love onto Stephen Guest, perceiving him as the embodiment of her desires. This projection allows
her to externalize her own feelings and attribute them to someone else, which can serve as a coping
mechanism for the conflict between her desires and societal expectations.
Splitting: Splitting is a defense mechanism characterized by the division of experiences, emotions, or
individuals into extreme and polarized categories of good and bad. Maggie's character exhibits elements
of splitting in her relationships, particularly in her perception of herself as either wholly good or wholly
bad. She often sees herself as responsible for the negative consequences that befall those she loves,
viewing herself as the cause of their suffering. This self-blame and self-perception of being inherently
flawed contribute to her inner turmoil and conflict.
Regression: Regression refers to reverting to earlier, more childlike behaviors or thought patterns as a
response to stress or anxiety. Maggie exhibits moments of regression throughout the novel, particularly
when she feels overwhelmed or trapped by societal expectations. For instance, when faced with the
prospect of marrying Stephen Guest and compromising her own desires, she momentarily regresses to a
more childlike state, seeking solace in the familiar and comforting environment of her childhood home.
It's important to remember that these psychoanalytical points are interpretations based on the concepts
outlined by psychoanalytic theory and may not be explicitly discussed or labeled within the novel.
George Eliot's portrayal of Maggie's character is multifaceted and encompasses various psychological
aspects, allowing readers to explore and analyze her complexities from different perspectives.
Character Quotes: Analysis
User
Find at least 6
quotes (1 for each character) that characterize them and explain what that reveals about
how the animal fits into the Animal Farm society. Include page numbers. Characters:
Napoleon, Snowball, Mollie, Boxer, Clover, Squealer
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Napoleon: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." (Page 100)
This quote by Napoleon reveals his manipulative and power-hungry nature. He uses the concept of
equality as a tool to maintain control over the other animals while elevating himself to a position of
superiority. It shows that Napoleon fits into the Animal Farm society as a dictator who distorts the
principles of the revolution for his own benefit.
Snowball: "War is war. The only good human being is a dead one." (Page 54)
This quote reflects Snowball's idealistic and radical nature. He believes that violence and the elimination
of humans are necessary for the animals to achieve true liberation. It reveals that Snowball sees himself
as a revolutionary leader and sees the animals as being in a constant struggle against human oppression.
Mollie: "Ribbons! Do you know what they're planning to do to me? Ribbons!" (Page 17)
Mollie's obsession with material comforts, such as ribbons, reveals her superficial and self-centered
nature. She is more concerned with her own personal luxuries than with the principles of the Animal
Farm society. This quote shows that Mollie does not fit into the society and eventually abandons the
farm to return to a life of pampering under human control.
Boxer: "I will work harder." (Page 46)
Boxer's constant willingness to work hard and his motto of "I will work harder" demonstrates his loyalty
and dedication to the cause of Animalism. He believes in the principles of the revolution and is willing to
put in immense effort to support the farm. This quote reveals that Boxer is a hardworking and devoted
member of the Animal Farm society.
Clover: "Surely, comrades, you do not want Jones back?" (Page 44)
Clover's plea to the other animals not to revert to human control highlights her cautious and fearful
nature. She understands the dangers of returning to their previous state of oppression under Mr. Jones
and tries to remind the animals of the reasons for their revolution. This quote reveals that Clover is a
pragmatic and protective figure within the Animal Farm society.
Squealer: "It has been proved by science, comrades, that milk and apples are necessary for the well-
being of a pig." (Page 34)
Squealer's ability to manipulate facts and justify the privileges of the ruling class is evident in this quote.
He uses the supposed scientific evidence to convince the other animals that the pigs' special treatment
is necessary and deserved. This quote reveals that Squealer is a persuasive propagandist who plays a
crucial role in maintaining the power dynamics of the Animal Farm society.
