Bleak House · Chapter
National and Domestic explained
The chapter contrasts the serene yet shadowy atmosphere of Chesney Wold with the national political turmoil of election season.
What happens
The chapter contrasts the serene yet shadowy atmosphere of Chesney Wold with the national political turmoil of election season. Sir Leicester Dedlock hosts numerous relatives and political allies, while Lady Dedlock remains withdrawn and unwell. The family discusses the state of the nation, with Sir Leicester expressing dismay at the expense and opposition faced by his party. The chapter ends with Lady Dedlock rising for a glass of water, her graceful departure contrasting with the bustling, bat-like cousins.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
The serene beauty of Chesney Wold and the Dedlock family's social grace mask underlying tension, illness, and the menacing shadow on Lady Dedlock's portrait.
Social Class and Inequality
The chapter highlights the vast gulf between the aristocratic Dedlocks and the common people, with Sir Leicester treating parliamentary seats as wholesale orders and the cousins serving as political props.
Environment and Atmosphere
The shifting light and shadow at Chesney Wold—from sunlight to moonlight to candlelight—mirror the mood and foreshadow the secrets and decay within the great house.
Characters to notice
- Lady Dedlock
Lady Dedlock is unwell and keeps to her room, appearing only late in the day. She is graceful and self-possessed, but the shadow on her portrait suggests a menacing secret.
- Sir Leicester Dedlock
Sir Leicester is the proud, complacent host, moving among guests as a 'magnificent refrigerator.' He discusses the national election with Volumnia, expressing indignation at the expense and opposition.
- Mr. Tulkinghorn
Mr. Tulkinghorn is present at Chesney Wold; Sir Leicester asks him to ring for candles, indicating his role as a trusted legal advisor.
- Miss Volumnia
Volumnia is a sprightly, dim-witted cousin who engages Sir Leicester in political talk, hopping about at dances for patriotic duty. She is innocent and eager for entertainment.
- Mrs. Rouncewell
Mrs. Rouncewell, the housekeeper, proudly asserts that Chesney Wold's air will restore Lady Dedlock's health, and she receives reports from the groom.
- Honourable Bob Stables
Bob Stables is mentioned as a useful cousin for meeting the Hunt at dinner, exemplifying the family's political utility.
Key passages
“But the fire of the sun is dying. Even now the floor is dusky, and shadow slowly mounts the walls, bringing the Dedlocks down like age and death.”
As the sunlight fades, darkness creeps up the walls, symbolizing the decline of the Dedlock family, much like aging and mortality.
This passage uses natural imagery to foreshadow the family's decay and the encroaching secrets.
“Now the great house, needing habitation more than ever, is like a body without life.”
Chesney Wold, despite being full of people, feels empty and lifeless, like a corpse.
The simile emphasizes the emotional and spiritual emptiness beneath the aristocratic facade.
“Sir Leicester generally refers back in his mind to Wat Tyler and arranges a sequence of events on a plan of his own.”
Sir Leicester mentally compares current political unrest to the Peasants' Revolt led by Wat Tyler, imposing his own interpretation on history.
This shows Sir Leicester's conservative, anachronistic worldview and his resistance to change.
“Lady Dedlock, graceful, self-possessed, looked after by admiring eyes, passes away slowly down the long perspective by the side of that nymph, not at all improving her as a question of contrast.”
Lady Dedlock, elegant and composed, walks away down the hall beside Volumnia, but the comparison does not flatter Volumnia.
The contrast highlights Lady Dedlock's superiority in grace and presence, even in her weakened state.
