Bleak House: “Springing a Mine”

Chapter 54: “Springing a Mine”

Summary: Mr. Bucket takes Sir Liecester aside and begins to explain this murder and what he’s decided really happened. As he begins to touch on the subject of Lady Dedlock, several characters burst in the scene: Mr. Smallweed, Mr. and Mrs. Chaband, and Mrs. Snagsby. They start to explain their positions and witnessings in hopes of getting some compensation from Sir L, who has issued a reward. Mr. Bucket chases them off and declares that the former maid, Hortense was the murderer, who shows up and is arrested. Sir Leicester, finally left alone, still loves his wife as much as before her secret was spilled.

Reaction: What a big chapter (and it seemed to take a long time to read, but I think that was partly because of some misbehavior in the nap room). This time all the characters I don’t like came together in one place, but luckily, it seems to have turned out favorably.

Prediction: I know saying this now doesn’t mean a thing, but as I began this chapter I realized that it was probably very likely that Hortense had been responsible, since I still couldn’t see Lady Dedlock as a cold-hearted murderer. Hortense is easy to picture. This story isn’t over yet. I’m not sure how much there is to go, but I think the chapters go to the sixties. It’s hard to judge on my Nook because it looks like I still have a ways, but I know there’s been tons and tons of endnotes, and who knows how many pages those have taken. It does look like this will end fairly happily, though.

Why This Book Is a Classic; Classic murder mystery reveal: Mr. Bucket wasn’t going to let anyone steal his thunder and even threatened Mr. Smallweed (I loved that!). He wanted to be able to stand up and explain all he’s found out to the concerned party–especially to brag about how smart he was to figure it out in front of the culprit. That’s something only classic mysteries can pull off.

Our Lesson: Again, you can’t trick Mr. Bucket. But if you want to try to trick him, for heaven’s sake don’t lodge in his house!

Bleak House: “Attorney and Client”

Chapter 39: “Attorney and Client”

Summary: Richard consults his attorney, Mr. Vholes, concerned his case is going nowhere (it is) and will continue to go nowhere over the break (it will). Mr. Vholes is considered a very respectable man, and he assures Richard that he will not give up. Then we jump to Guppy and Weevle; Guppy tells Weevle they are done with all the Krook/letters stuff. If those letters still exist and they find them, Guppy intends to destroy them. The Smallweeds are searching Krook’s place for anything valuable, and Tulkinghorn is lurking around as well.

Reaction: I was surprised to see that Mr. Vholes actually does seem respectable. Other characters have been described one way and have revealed a gaping hole of contradictions, but I haven’t seen anything like that in his case, except an exceeding fondness for his three daughters (not an inappropriate gross one–just that they come up a lot). And I was impressed that Guppy seems to be keeping his promise, though I figured he would. He rises a little in my esteem.

Prediction: It doesn’t matter that Guppy is no longer involved in the search. Tulkinghorn is already on the same track, and he’ll find what there is to find.

Why This Book Is a Classic: Lawyers aren’t all dishonest–some even keep their words.

Our Lesson: You might actually be able to trust the stalker-lawyer who makes a sworn statement to you–maybe.

Bleak House: “A Turn of the Screw”

Chapter 34: “A Turn of the Screw”

Summary: Mr. George receives a letter informing him that his debt is to be collected immediately. His loan has been cosigned by Mr. Bagnet, so George is concerned that Bagnet’s family will suffer because of this. He and Bagnet go to Smallweed to ask about it, and he tells them to get lost and go see Tulkinghorn. Tulkinghorn doesn’t have any sympathy for them, but after Mr. George agrees to hand over Hawdon’s letter, Tulkinghorn agrees to give George an extension and to eliminate Bagnet’s name from the debt.

Reaction: It was obvious what was coming–it’s a good old moral dilemma: save a friend or stay honorable. I think even George knew what was coming. It was a good chapter. Such a variety of types of characters showing through–great reading!

Prediction: I hope we get to see what this letter says (Hawdon’s last instructions for George). I’m pretty sure we will. Also, I’m really interested to see what Mrs. Rouncewell was doing at Tulkinghorn’s. Does he have her spying on Lady Dedlock? Is she appealing to him for the sake of her grandson’s love life?

Why This Book Is a Classic: As I mentioned before, there are moral dilemmas that could have been straight out of Shakespeare. Love or honor. Choose the least of two evils. It’s a device that comes up over and over, in older works and modern ones too.

Our Lesson: Old army buddies are great–but not great to risk your family’s financial future for. Don’t do it, no matter how much money they think their shooting gallery will make.