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"Spinal support, London, England, 1822-1869" by Science Museum, London. Credit: Science Museum, London. Web. 21 March 2018.
Introduction
The Mill on the Floss, George Eliot’s 1862 novel, examines the intersections between disability, dependency, and social class. Philip Wakem and Mr. Tulliver’s dependencies are viewed differently by society, influenced by their individual social class and financial status. Within the story, Philip Wakem is the most prevalent disabled character. Though he does not have a congenital disability, his spinal injury as an infant results in a near lifelong disability. Fortunately, his family resides in a higher social class, allowing him to be raised as a gentleman [1] and receive a classical education. Society …show more content…
"Yes," said Mr. Glegg, interpreting Mrs. Pullet's observation with erroneous plausibility, "you must consider that, neighbor Tulliver; Wakem's son isn't likely to follow any business” (72). Though the narrator states Mr. Glegg’s opinion is wrong, he and the rest of society do not expect Philip to support himself as a businessman or by any other trade. Rather, they assume he will become a leisurely gentleman dependent on his father. His higher class and wealth make Philip’s dependence less of a burden, as his father’s money easily provides the care and education he needs. Much like women in the Victorian era, Philip is viewed as naturally reliant and society expects him to perform the role of dependency. Due to his supposed natural dependency, the other characters and narrator describe Philip’s personality and body as feminine. “Still, no face could be more unlike that ugly tailor's than this melancholy boy's face; the brown hair round it waved and curled at the ends like a girl's; Tom thought that truly pitiable” (161). Though his face is not portrayed as monstrous or repellant, Tom views it as feminine. This characterization points to Philip’s dependency and delicacy as the ideal Victorian woman was dependent and dainty [2]. Ultimately, because of his social class, Philip is treated with pity and sympathy. People sympathize with his supposed inability to participate in manly occupation, like business, but they do not view him as a burden. Mr. Glegg sums up society’s sentiments in a single sentence: “Wakem [Philip’s father] 'ull make a gentleman of him, poor fellow”
"Spinal support, London, England, 1822-1869" by Science Museum, London. Credit: Science Museum, London. Web. 21 March 2018.
Introduction
The Mill on the Floss, George Eliot’s 1862 novel, examines the intersections between disability, dependency, and social class. Philip Wakem and Mr. Tulliver’s dependencies are viewed differently by society, influenced by their individual social class and financial status. Within the story, Philip Wakem is the most prevalent disabled character. Though he does not have a congenital disability, his spinal injury as an infant results in a near lifelong disability. Fortunately, his family resides in a higher social class, allowing him to be raised as a gentleman [1] and receive a classical education. Society …show more content…
"Yes," said Mr. Glegg, interpreting Mrs. Pullet's observation with erroneous plausibility, "you must consider that, neighbor Tulliver; Wakem's son isn't likely to follow any business” (72). Though the narrator states Mr. Glegg’s opinion is wrong, he and the rest of society do not expect Philip to support himself as a businessman or by any other trade. Rather, they assume he will become a leisurely gentleman dependent on his father. His higher class and wealth make Philip’s dependence less of a burden, as his father’s money easily provides the care and education he needs. Much like women in the Victorian era, Philip is viewed as naturally reliant and society expects him to perform the role of dependency. Due to his supposed natural dependency, the other characters and narrator describe Philip’s personality and body as feminine. “Still, no face could be more unlike that ugly tailor's than this melancholy boy's face; the brown hair round it waved and curled at the ends like a girl's; Tom thought that truly pitiable” (161). Though his face is not portrayed as monstrous or repellant, Tom views it as feminine. This characterization points to Philip’s dependency and delicacy as the ideal Victorian woman was dependent and dainty [2]. Ultimately, because of his social class, Philip is treated with pity and sympathy. People sympathize with his supposed inability to participate in manly occupation, like business, but they do not view him as a burden. Mr. Glegg sums up society’s sentiments in a single sentence: “Wakem [Philip’s father] 'ull make a gentleman of him, poor fellow”