Bleak House · Chapter
In Mr. Tulkinghorn's Chambers explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Tulkinghorn returns to his London chambers from Chesney Wold. He confronts Mademoiselle Hortense, who has been harassing Mr. Snagsby and threatening to expose Lady Dedlock's secret. Tulkinghorn threatens her with prison if she continues, but she defiantly refuses to be intimidated, throwing back the money he paid her and vowing to pursue Lady Dedlock relentlessly.
Themes in this chapter
Secrets and Identity
Hortense threatens to expose Lady Dedlock's secret, and Tulkinghorn uses legal power to suppress her.
Corruption of the Legal System
Tulkinghorn uses the threat of prison and legal authority to control and intimidate Hortense.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Tulkinghorn
Confronts Mademoiselle Hortense in his chambers, threatening her with prison if she continues her harassment.
- Hortense
Defiantly confronts Mr. Tulkinghorn, throws back his money, and vows to pursue Lady Dedlock.
- Mr. Snagsby
Visits Mr. Tulkinghorn to complain about Hortense's visits to his shop and the jealousy of his wife.
Key passages
“I am very rich in hate. I hate my Lady, of all my heart.”
Hortense declares that her hatred for Lady Dedlock is her greatest wealth.
Hortense's intense animosity towards Lady Dedlock is revealed.
“The law is so despotic here that it interferes to prevent any of our good English citizens from being troubled, even by a lady's visits against his desire.”
Tulkinghorn warns Hortense that the law will imprison her if she continues to harass him or Snagsby.
Tulkinghorn uses the law as a tool of coercion.