Bleak House · Chapter
L: Esther’s Narrative explained
Esther visits the ailing Caddy Jellyby, who has a new baby named little Esther.
What happens
Esther visits the ailing Caddy Jellyby, who has a new baby named little Esther. Mr. Jarndyce suggests they move to London for Ada's birthday and to consult Mr. Woodcourt about Caddy's health. Esther notices a change in Ada and finds her hiding sewing work. Later, Esther and Ada visit Caddy, where they encounter Mrs. Jellyby and old Mr. Turveydrop, who displays his characteristic deportment.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Loyalty
Esther's devoted visits to Caddy and Mr. Jarndyce's protective care for Esther and Ada highlight familial bonds.
Appearance vs. Reality
Old Mr. Turveydrop's self-proclaimed generosity masks his selfishness; Ada's cheerful exterior hides inner turmoil.
Secrets and Identity
Ada's hidden sewing and her changed demeanor suggest a secret related to Richard.
Characters to notice
- Esther Summerson
Narrator; visits Caddy, discusses moving to London with Mr. Jarndyce, notices Ada's changed behavior.
- Caddy Jellyby
Ill after childbirth; mother of little Esther; has a superstition that Esther does her good.
- Ada Clare
Turns twenty-one; seems changed and anxious; hides sewing work and her hand under her pillow.
- Mr. Jarndyce
Guardian; suggests moving to London for Ada's birthday and to consult Mr. Woodcourt about Caddy.
- Prince Turveydrop
Caddy's husband; visits softly, plays guitar for the baby, shows loving anxiety.
- Mrs. Jellyby
Visits Caddy; distracted by Borrioboolan affairs, serene and untidy.
- Old Mr. Turveydrop
Visits Caddy; displays patronizing deportment, claims self-sacrifice, takes Peepy for walks.
- Mr. Woodcourt
Mentioned as a potential doctor to confirm Caddy's condition; Esther feels confused at the mention.
Key passages
“Constant dropping will wear away a stone, and constant coaching will wear out a Dame Durden.”
Mr. Jarndyce warns Esther that her frequent visits to Caddy will exhaust her.
Mr. Jarndyce uses a proverb to express concern for Esther's health.
“I lay down, self-deceived, in that belief. And I awoke in it next day to find that there was still the same shade between me and my darling.”
Esther realizes she was wrong to think she could easily comfort Ada, as the distance between them remains.
Esther reflects on her failure to understand Ada's hidden distress.
“We must take care of our dear Caroline, Miss Summerson. We must spare nothing that will restore her. We must nourish her.”
Old Mr. Turveydrop grandly instructs Esther to care for Caddy, though he does little himself.
Old Mr. Turveydrop's speech exemplifies his patronizing and self-important deportment.