Ada Clare and Esther Summerson are parallel characters — that is, characters who are very much alike in many ways. Both are young, pretty, self-effacing, good-natured, sensible, responsible, and delicate; both are orphaned, then eventually stationed in the same household; they have similar values and expectations of life; young men […]
Read more Character Analysis Ada ClareCharacter Analysis Richard Carstone
Richard has the natural optimism and enthusiasm of youth but is also impractical, irresponsible, and congenitally restless. For these less desirable traits, the Chancery Court cannot be held responsible; the young man appears to have inherited them from his ancestors. Of course, these weaknesses make the effects of Chancery on […]
Read more Character Analysis Richard CarstoneCharacter Analysis Mr. Tulkinghorn
Tulkinghorn, an extremely capable solicitor (a leading attorney) of the Chancery Court, is the main enemy, or antagonist, in this novel. He is an enigma which Dickens chooses not to solve. As Sir Leicester’s legal advisor, Tulkinghorn has a right, even a responsibility, to take notice of any action whatever […]
Read more Character Analysis Mr. TulkinghornCharacter Analysis John Jarndyce
Mr. Jarndyce is a “stock” character — that is, one seen repeatedly in literary works down through the ages and immediately recognizable. Such a character is sometimes a “rich uncle,” sometimes a magnanimous aristocrat, sometimes a reformed miser like Dickens’ Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. His mainspring is always generosity […]
Read more Character Analysis John JarndyceCharacter Analysis Esther Summerson
In literature, as in life, troubles and suffering tend to be emotionally powerful and to arouse our interest and compassion — to some extent even when the sufferer is a far-from-admirable person or character. We are not shown, in any detail, the inner suffering of Honoria Dedlock, but at least […]
Read more Character Analysis Esther SummersonCharacter Analysis Lady Dedlock
Despite the obvious importance of Esther Summerson, Lady Honoria Dedlock dominates Bleak House. She either initiates or becomes the object of nearly all of the most interesting or exciting actions in the story. Tulkinghorn’s pursuit of her secret, her attempts to evade his snares, her boldness and courage in seeking […]
Read more Character Analysis Lady DedlockSummary and Analysis Chapter 67 – The Close of Esther’s Narrative
Summary For “full seven happy years,” Esther has been the mistress of the new Bleak House. She and Allan have two daughters. Ada’s child, Richard, was born very shortly after his father’s death. The boy and his mother “throve” and, in doing so, made Esther “the happiest of the happy.” […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 67 – The Close of Esther’s NarrativeSummary and Analysis Chapters 65-66 – Beginning in the World & Down in Lincolnshire
Summary The Jarndyce and Jarndyce case is finally ready to “come up,” this time at Westminster Hall (in London). On their way to Westminster, Esther and Allan meet Caddy passing by in a carriage. At Westminster Hall, they learn that legal costs have exhausted the entire worth of the estate. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 65-66 – Beginning in the World & Down in LincolnshireSummary and Analysis Chapter 64 – Esther’s Narrative
Summary Mr. Jarndyce has gone to Yorkshire to see Allan Woodcourt. Soon he invites Esther to join them. He has settled Allan in a “new Bleak House” and releases Esther from her promise, having seen for some time that she will be far happier with Allan. Esther is astonished. She […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 64 – Esther’s NarrativeSummary and Analysis Chapter 63 – Steel and Iron
Summary George Rouncewell has given up the shooting gallery and is now a constant companion to Sir Leicester. One day, however, he rides north to “the iron country” and visits his brother. He also meets his nephew, Watt Rouncewell, and Watt’s bride-to-be, Rosa. George is offered a job, turns it […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 63 – Steel and Iron