Maggie Tulliver, the miller's daughter who defies her embittered brother and shocks the Victorian society in which she lives by following the dictates of her heart, is one of George Eliot's most memorable creations.

Maggie, in a tantrum, has cut her hair off. Tulliver has decided to spend money he can ill afford on Tom's education, and quarrelled with Aunt Glegg.

Tulliver has failed to solve his financial problems and the head-strong Maggie has decided not to stay with the gypsies.