Mr. Deane Character Analysis in The Mill on the Floss

Mr. Deane has come up in the world significantly by working as a manager for the shipping firm Guest & Co. Indeed, he is now considered a better catch as a husband than even Mr. Pullet, the wealthy farmer. He has a keen business sense, and both Tom and Mr. Tulliver have great admiration for his intelligence. After the Tulliver bankruptcy, Tom comes to Mr. Deane to ask for a job. Although Mr. Deane is initially skeptical about Tom’s lack of bookkeeping experience, he ultimately becomes very fond of his nephew and even works to help him buy back Dorlcote Mill.

Mr. Deane Character Timeline in The Mill on the Floss

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Deane appears in The Mill on the Floss. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...Tulliver has prepared a delicious puff pastry in preparation for a visit from her sisters, Deane, Pullet, and Glegg. She complains that Tom and Maggie are awkward around their aunts and... (full context)

...and her dress is out of fashion and slightly moldy. She complains that her sisters Deane and Pullet are late, but when Mrs. Tulliver offers her a cheesecake and a glass... (full context)

Women’s Roles and Social Pressures Theme Icon

Mrs. Deane arrives with her daughter, Lucy, and Mrs. Tulliver thinks it’s a shame that her own... (full context)

...to the children. Mr. Tulliver is pleased to be able to discuss politics with Mr. Deane, whom he greatly admires. They discuss the Duke of Wellington, a prominent politician and military... (full context)

The next day, Tom rides into St. Ogg’s to ask his uncle Mr. Deane if he can help him find a job. Tom admires Mr. Deane’s success at Guest... (full context)

At home, Tom tells Maggie sadly that Mr. Deane said he was too young and ill-educated to find a good position. Maggie lightheartedly offers... (full context)

...and mill will be sold. Prompted in part by Lucy’s concern for her cousins, Mr. Deane tries to persuade Guest & Co to purchase the mill, add steam power, and keep... (full context)

...debts. Mr. Tulliver, Mrs. Tulliver, and Maggie are overwhelmed with joy. Tom explains that Mr. Deane has organized a dinner at a local pub with the creditors, at which time they... (full context)

Mr. Deane calls Tom into his office and applauds him for doing so well at Guest &... (full context)

Mr. Deane promises to consider Tom’s suggestion and to explore the possibility of buying Dorlcote Mill. However,... (full context)

Mr. Deane enters the room, putting an end to the music. He asks Philip about whether Mr.... (full context)