Mary Ann Evans (1819-1880), better known under her pen-name George Eliot , was a British journalist, critic, poet and novelist from the Victorian period. She was credited with introducing the method of psychological analysis that plays a major role in modern fiction. Some of her major works include The Mill on the Floss (1860), Silas Marner (1861) and Middlemarch (1871-72). Evans deliberately chose a pen-name to distance herself from the stereotypical women's writings primarily lighthearted romances. Instead, she focused on the intellectual pursuit of providing psychological insight to her characters. Her novels were highly political in nature. Evans died at the age of 61. She is still regarded as one of the most important writers of the Victorian Age.
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First published in 1860, The Mill on the Floss is one of the most famous works by George Eliot, the pen-name adopted by Mary Ann Evans. Her most autobiographical work, it explores falling in love, tensions between siblings as well as the lack of intellectual freedom that Evans herself experienced. The story chronicles the life of Maggie Tulliver, who is robust, intelligent and fierce, and often in conflict with her family because of these traits. She seeks the cultured life of intense intellectual activity, represented by Philip Wakem, much to the disdain of her beloved brother Tom. The Mill on the Floss, a classic tale of unfulfilled love, growing up in distress and pain, and forgiveness, has been adapted to film and television. It remains one of Evans's most cherished works.
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