Book 1: Chapter 2 Summary

Mr. Tulliver tells Mrs. Tulliver of his plans to send their son, Tom, away to school, and he is trying to decide just where to send him. Mr. Tulliver owns and operates the mill and wants his son to make more of himself than he has. Tom's mother feels that her sisters and their husbands should be consulted in this matter since they are wealthier and more successful. Mr. Tulliver has no intention of consulting them about anything but will ask his friend, Mr. Riley, an auctioneer, for his advice.

Mr. Tulliver believes that Tom is not overly bright and that he takes after his mother's side of the family. However, Maggie, their little girl, is just the opposite. He says, "she's twice as 'cute [acute] as Tom. Too 'cute for a woman, I'm afraid." Maggie is olive-skinned and dark-eyed whereas...