The Mill on the Floss

The Mill on the Floss

by

George Eliot

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Dr. Kenn Character Analysis

Dr. Kenn is the kind and sympathetic minister of St. Ogg’s. He is more open-minded than most people in the town and develops a particular friendship with Maggie. After her disgrace in the wake of her elopement, he employs her as a governess for her children when nearly everyone else has shunned her. However, he eventually is forced to let her go when false rumors emerge that he is planning on asking for her hand in marriage.
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Dr. Kenn Character Timeline in The Mill on the Floss

The timeline below shows where the character Dr. Kenn appears in The Mill on the Floss. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book 6, Chapter 2
Knowledge and Ignorance Theme Icon
Women’s Roles and Social Pressures Theme Icon
Tolerance and Forgiveness  Theme Icon
Stephen, Maggie, and Lucy discuss Dr. Kenn , the local vicar, a very pious man who gives away two-thirds of his income.... (full context)
Book 6, Chapter 9
Tolerance and Forgiveness  Theme Icon
...the bazaar. Maggie, meanwhile, is miserable at this strife. Seeing her tears, the local vicar, Dr. Kenn , approaches her table. He speaks gently to her and tells her he will always... (full context)
Book 7, Chapter 2
Tolerance and Forgiveness  Theme Icon
Hoping to find some way to earn her living, Maggie visits Dr. Kenn , who had been kind to her before. She tells him everything, and Dr. Kenn... (full context)
Book 7, Chapter 4
Women’s Roles and Social Pressures Theme Icon
Dr. Kenn works hard on Maggie’s behalf to try to find her some employment, but finds that... (full context)
Book 7, Chapter 5
Women’s Roles and Social Pressures Theme Icon
Tolerance and Forgiveness  Theme Icon
...flooding. Maggie, too, has had a difficult few days. First she was let go by Dr. Kenn , who could no longer keep her on as governess in light of the rumors... (full context)