Bleak House

You guys, I just realized--we're almost done! I mean, I know that because I'm reading a print copy of the book, and my bookmark is close to the end. But I really realized it when I looked up the publication schedule to see how many chapters I had to read this week, and saw that after this set, there's only three weeks left! Dickens has a lot of ground to cover.

Which he does, in various ominous ways, in this section. I fear neither Caddy Jellyby nor her child are long for the world, even if Esther brings in Woodcourt and sees Caddy improving. Say what you will against Mr. Deportment, at least he shows up regularly and brings some cheer, as opposed to Caddy's mother, who--good heavens. There are just no words for that wench.

Oh, Ada--what were you thinking? I really do not see how that can end well.

Mr. George, your intentions are noble, and one can certainly understand your antipathy to lawyers, but you're in a very bad spot here, and you need help. Lady Bagnet to the rescue!

Mr. Bucket, I'd watch your step if I were you. And yet, I'm still not 100% convinced it's Lady Dedlock. Last week, Heidi commented that maybe it's the French maid. I hadn't considered that, but it's a distinct possibility, especially since she could dress herself as Lady Dedlock as a way of framing the latter, in revenge for being let go. And perhaps she's behind the flurry of two-worded letters to Mr. Bucket?

I loved this description of Mr. Bucket:

"Mr. Bucket and his fat forefingers are much in consultation together under existing circumstances. When Mr. Bucket has a matter of this pressing interest under his consideration, the fat forefinger seems to rise to the dignity of a familiar demon. He puts it to his ears, and it whispers information; he puts it to his lips, and it enjoins him to secrecy; he rubs it over his nose, and it sharpens his scent; he shakes it before a guilty man, and it charms him to destruction. The Augers of the Detective Temple invariably predict, that when Mr. Bucket and that finger are much in conference, a terrible avenger will be heard of before long."

Next week, chapters 54-56. This week's Gorey: Mr. Bucket observes Lady Dedlock on the stairs near the Wanted poster.

Comments

[Miss T]

I'm enjoying the book more and more as it goes along, yet simultaneously getting excited that it's nearing the end. It's long. Dickens might have benefited from some editing!

[V]

Bleak House is thinning out for us, too. The best part of a narrative with many strands is the twisting of them together into a taut ending. That seems to be the case here as I had no problem reading these four chapters. I agree that Dickens could have gotten more action in early. I guess you have set up Tulkinghorn and Lady Dedlock, but there were ways to kill him off earlier. Mr. Bucket also could have shown up more early. Maybe Mrs. Bagnet, too. If she can talk sense into Mr. George, then no one is immune, not even Richard and Ada. Perhaps she could put everyone in their right sense.

[Heideland]

"Poor Rick! Poor Ada! Bleak House is thinning fast." Indeed.

I don't believe for a moment that Mr. George OR Lady D. are guilty of murder, even though lord knows they both had motive to off Tulkinghorn. They're not rash enough. Recall how that French Maid threatened Tulkinghorn when she confronted him in his chambers – and he threatened her back w/ arrest and prison. We already know her to be an irrational and vindictive sort, so she's my prime suspect.

Poor little somber baby Turveydrop. How many times did Esther comment on her tininess? I rather liked her observation about Mr. Jellby though, "His sole occupation was to sit with his head against the wall, looking hard at the thoughtful baby; and I could not quite divest my mind of a fancy that they understood one another."

[Girl Detective]

Gorey's drawings are often quite similar to the Phiz ones in subject and composition.

[Girl Detective]

Also, Mr. Bucket's habit of saying Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet, amused me.

[Girl Detective]

My first comment disappeared? Anyway, Gorey's illos are often quite similar to Phiz's, in subject and composition. I'm feeling like Gorey kinda phoned BH in.

[Amy]

Miss T, I agree, Dickens could have used a little editing. And I hope he doesn’t rush the ending with this one, the way he did with Our Mutual Friend.

V, I fear you may be overly optimistic regarding the powers of Mrs. Bagnet. But I hope you’re right!

Heideland, Mr. Jellyby may be one of the most melancholy characters in a book full of sad people.

Girl Detective, I agree on Gorey’s work—it’s definitely not his best and not all I hoped for. It’s more like he did quick sketches and never got the full details.