Book 2: Chapter 1 Summary

Poor Tom is not having a good time. He is Reverend Stelling's only student, and his lessons consist of Latin grammar and Euclid, which he not only doesn't like but doesn't understand.. We find that Mr. Stelling is offering to take students because he and his wife live beyond their means. He is particularly severe with Tom because he needs to establish his reputation as a teacher.

Mr. Tulliver is well pleased with himself because of what he is doing for his son. He wants Tom to become a match for the lawyers because he often has no idea what they are talking about even though he frequently uses their services to take someone to court.. Mrs. Tulliver is happy because she is convinced that Mrs. Stelling sees the important matters of food and clothing for Tom in the same way...