Bleak House · Chapter
LXIV: Esther’s Narrative explained
Esther prepares for her marriage to Mr.
What happens
Esther prepares for her marriage to Mr. Jarndyce, who surprises her by revealing that he has arranged for her to marry Allan Woodcourt instead, giving them Bleak House as a home. Esther and Allan marry, and Mr. Guppy makes a final, rejected proposal to Esther.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Esther is willing to sacrifice her own love for duty, but Mr. Jarndyce sacrifices his own desire to marry her so she can be with Allan Woodcourt.
Family and Loyalty
Mr. Jarndyce's paternal care for Esther and his loyalty to her happiness, as well as the new family formed with Allan.
Appearance vs. Reality
Mr. Guppy's magnanimous proposal is a facade for his self-interest; Esther's quiet preparations contrast with the joyful surprise of her true marriage.
Characters to notice
- Esther Summerson
Narrates the chapter; prepares for marriage, learns she will marry Allan Woodcourt, and marries him.
- Mr. Jarndyce
Reveals his plan for Esther to marry Allan Woodcourt, gives them Bleak House, and rejects Mr. Guppy's proposal on Esther's behalf.
- Mr. Woodcourt
Marries Esther at the end of the chapter.
- Mr. Guppy
Visits with his mother and Mr. Jobling to renew his marriage proposal to Esther, which is rejected.
- Mrs. Guppy
Accompanies her son and becomes angry when his proposal is rejected.
- Mr. Weevle
Accompanies Mr. Guppy as his clerk and friend.
Key passages
“This day I give this house its little mistress; and before God, it is the brightest day in all my life!”
Mr. Jarndyce declares that he is giving Bleak House to Esther as its new mistress, calling it the happiest day of his life.
Mr. Jarndyce formally bestows Bleak House on Esther and Allan Woodcourt.
“I have no more to say. My dearest, Allan Woodcourt stood beside your father when he lay dead—stood beside your mother.”
Mr. Jarndyce reveals that Allan Woodcourt was present at the deaths of both of Esther's parents.
Mr. Jarndyce explains Allan's connection to Esther's family history.
“I beg to lay the ’ouse in Walcot Square, the business, and myself before Miss Summerson for her acceptance.”
Mr. Guppy offers his house, business, and himself to Esther in marriage.
Mr. Guppy renews his marriage proposal to Esther.