* Maggie's sacrifice: Maggie chooses to save her brother Tom from drowning, even though she knows this means sacrificing her own happiness and her chance at a future with Philip Wakem. This act is both selfless and incredibly painful for Maggie.
* Tom's betrayal: Despite Maggie's sacrifice, Tom remains unappreciative and continues to blame her for their family's misfortunes. This moment underscores the deep rift between them and highlights the cruelty of Tom's character.
* Maggie's despair: Maggie is consumed by grief and guilt, realizing the depth of her own loneliness and the futility of her efforts to win Tom's love and acceptance. This leads to a profound sense of despair and hopelessness.
* The flood: The climactic event is the sudden flooding of the Floss River, a natural disaster that reflects the emotional turmoil swirling within Maggie. This event is a powerful symbol of both destruction and renewal.
* Maggie's death: Ultimately, Maggie drowns in the flood, a tragic end that represents the ultimate sacrifice she made for her family and the inability of society to accept her unconventional spirit.
In essence, the climax of "The Mill on the Floss" is not a single moment of triumph or defeat, but rather a complex interplay of sacrifice, betrayal, and ultimately, a tragic ending.