How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Maggie hated blame: she had been blamed all her life, and nothing had come of it but evil tempers. (3.2.23)
This is probably the best thematic summary of the book’s views on the need for compassion and forgiveness. It may be hard to do, but compassion is the morally right thing to do. Blame just seems to cause problems.
Quote #5
"But I won’t forgive him! I know what they say - he never meant me any harm - that’s the way Old Harry props up the raskills - he’s been at the bottom of everything - but he’s a fine gentleman - I know, I know. I shouldn’t ha’ gone to law, they say. But who made it so as there was no arbiratin’, and no justice to be got?" (3.9.29)
Mr. Tulliver’s climactic invective, or harsh speech, against Mr. Wakem reveals how hard it can be to actually forgive someone. Interestingly, Mr. Tulliver links the lack of compassion that the world has shown him to his current lack of forgiveness for Mr. Wakem. It’s sort of a vicious cycle of injustice and anger and blame.
Quote #6
"But it isn’t for that, that I’m jealous for the dark women - not because I’m dark myself. It’s because I always care the most about the unhappy people: if the blonde girl was forsaken, I should like her the best. I always take the side of the rejected lover in the stories." (5.4.10)
Though Maggie says her compassion has nothing to do with herself, this may not be entirely true. Maggie’s own suffering is what allows her to empathize with other people.