Abstract:  The Mill on the Floss, a great autobiography novel was published in the background of famous Victorian era. Its author George Eliot also is well-known in the 19th British literature because of her strong moral consciousness and superb describing style. In this novel, George Eliot conveys some moral problems through different characters’ inner spiritual pursuit and their moral ideas in social activities. Morality is a perpetual and permanent topic in the development of human society, not only a pathfinder making people forward, but also a good teacher educating us to be better. This paper attempts to discuss the moral problems from the perspective of the moral behavior(Self-shaping), moral consciousness (Feminism) and moral trait(Altruism) to see better George Eliot’s morality thoughts in this important historic time and throw some new light on today’s society. 

Key words: The Mill on the Floss; Victorian era; morality

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 George Eliot and The Mill on the Floss-1

1.2 Morality Theme-3

2. Views of Major Aspect on Morality, Moral Behavior-4

2.1 Background of the Victorian Period-5

2.2 The Moral Behavior from the Middle Class-6

2.3 Eliot’s Outlook on Moral Behavior-8

3 .Views of Major Aspect on Morality, Moral Consciousness-9

3.1 The Moral Idea from Gender Discrimination-9

3.1.1 Social Status-9

3.1.2 Educational System-11

3.2 The Quest for Gender Equality-12

4. Views of Major Aspect on Morality, Moral Trait-14

4.1 Eliot’s View of Moral Trait from The Mill on the Floss-14

4.1.1 Arguments against the Exploitation of Nature-14

4.1.2 Arguments for Collectivity Rather Than Individual-15

4.2 A New Recognition-17

5. Conclusion-18

References-21