Book 4: Chapter 2 Summary

While Tom is working hard at his job and becoming more grown-up under his new responsibilities, Maggie is bored and has very little going on in her life. Mrs. Tulliver is numbed by living without things and without servants, but she does the housework and will not permit Maggie to do any of the menial work. Mr. Tulliver is no longer his jovial, gregarious self. He hurries home from work at the end of the day. They all feel heavily burdened by the debt. Although Mr. Tulliver still has tender feelings toward Maggie, he does not express them, so she no longer has the feedback from father and brother that has made her life meaningful in the past. They have few visitors, even from the family.

Book 4: Chapter 2 Analysis

Maggie is suffering, and no one is paying attention. Her desire for...