In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the relationship between mothers and daughters is explored, particularly the influence of a mother's character on her daughter’s future. It suggests that when observing a mother, one might wish for her daughter to inherit her positive traits, which could be seen as an advantage to the daughter in society. This connection implies a vital hope for the daughter's personal development and social standing, akin to the benefits of a traditional dowry.

However, Eliot also presents a darker perspective where the mother may inadvertently cast a shadow over her daughter's potential. The phrase "like a malignant prophecy" signifies the fear that the daughter may replicate not only the virtues but also the flaws of the mother. This notion reflects the pressure on daughters to live up to or escape the legacy of their mothers, shaping the way they perceive themselves and their futures in a patriarchal society.