LII: Obstinacy explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Corruption of the Legal System

  The arrest of Mr. George on circumstantial evidence and the reliance on Inspector Bucket's deep investigations highlight the legal system's potential for error and manipulation.

• Family and Loyalty

  Mrs. Bagnet's immediate and determined journey to find Mr. George's mother underscores the theme of familial loyalty and sacrifice.

• Secrets and Identity

  Esther's secret connection to Lady Dedlock intensifies her personal stake in the investigation, and Mr. George's hidden family ties are revealed.

Characters to notice

• Esther Summerson

  Narrates the chapter; deeply agitated by the murder due to her secret connection to Lady Dedlock, and insists on visiting Mr. George in prison.

• Mr. Jarndyce

  Expresses disbelief that Mr. George could be guilty and resolves to stand by him, visiting the prison with Esther and Woodcourt.

• Mr. Woodcourt

  Brings the news of the murder and arrest; visits the prison and discusses the case with Mr. Jarndyce.

• Mr. George

  Arrested for Tulkinghorn's murder; remains calm and insists on his innocence, but acknowledges the circumstantial evidence against him.

• Mrs. Bagnet

  Determined to help Mr. George; reveals he has a living mother and sets off immediately for Lincolnshire to bring her to London.

• Matthew Bagnet

  Supports his wife's plan to fetch George's mother, stating 'Whatever the old girl says, do.'

Key passages

• “This unforeseen and violent removal of one whom she had long watched and distrusted and who had long watched and distrusted her, one for whom she could have had few intervals of kindness, always dreading in him a dangerous and secret enemy, appeared so awful that my first thoughts were of her.”

  The sudden, violent death of Tulkinghorn, whom Lady Dedlock had long feared and distrusted, struck Esther with horror, and her first concern was for her mother.

  Esther reflects on Lady Dedlock's fraught relationship with Tulkinghorn.

• “This man whom we have seen so openhearted and compassionate, who with the might of a giant has the gentleness of a child, who looks as brave a fellow as ever lived and is so simple and quiet with it, this man justly accused of such a crime? I can't believe it.”

  Mr. Jarndyce cannot believe that the kind and gentle Mr. George could be guilty of murder.

  Mr. Jarndyce expresses his faith in Mr. George's character.

• “I felt as if it were my duty and obligation to go with them.”

  Esther felt compelled to accompany the men to visit Mr. George in prison.

  Esther's sense of personal duty drives her to join the visit.

• “He has been so careless and said so much that he never meant. The gentlemen of the juries might not understand him as Lignum and me do.”

  Mrs. Bagnet worries that Mr. George's blunt manner and careless words will be misinterpreted by a jury.

  Mrs. Bagnet expresses concern about how Mr. George will be perceived in court.

• “I'm away to Lincolnshire to bring that old lady here!”

  Mrs. Bagnet declares she will travel to Lincolnshire to fetch Mr. George's mother.

  Mrs. Bagnet takes decisive action to help Mr. George.