Bleak House · Chapter
Esther's Narrative explained
Esther returns from Mr.
What happens
Esther returns from Mr. Boythorn's after six pleasant weeks. She reflects on her complex feelings toward Lady Dedlock, whom she sees at church but does not speak to. The French maid Hortense visits Esther, seeking employment, but Esther declines. Esther accompanies Caddy Jellyby to inform old Mr. Turveydrop of her engagement to Prince Turveydrop; after a dramatic scene, he gives his reluctant blessing. Later, Esther returns home to find that Mr. Jarndyce has sent Charley to be her maid, a gift arranged out of love for Esther.
Themes in this chapter
Secrets and Identity
Esther's mysterious connection to Lady Dedlock and her internal conflict about her feelings hint at hidden identities and unresolved secrets.
Appearance vs. Reality
Old Mr. Turveydrop's polished deportment masks his selfishness and lack of genuine substance, contrasting with the sincere love of Prince and Caddy.
Family and Loyalty
Prince and Caddy's devotion to old Mr. Turveydrop, despite his theatrics, and Mr. Jarndyce's thoughtful gift of Charley to Esther underscore familial and chosen loyalties.
Characters to notice
- Esther Summerson
Narrates the chapter; reflects on her feelings toward Lady Dedlock, declines Hortense's offer, supports Caddy, and receives Charley as her maid.
- Lady Dedlock
Seen at church; Esther feels a mysterious connection to her but does not interact.
- Hortense
Visits Esther at Mr. Boythorn's, seeking employment after leaving Lady Dedlock's service; Esther declines.
- Caddy Jellyby
Engaged to Prince Turveydrop; Esther accompanies her to inform old Mr. Turveydrop.
- Prince Turveydrop
Engaged to Caddy; respectfully informs his father of the engagement.
- Old Mr. Turveydrop
The model of deportment; initially dramatic about the engagement but eventually gives his blessing.
- Charley
Sent by Mr. Jarndyce as a present to Esther to be her maid; expresses gratitude.
- Mr. Jarndyce
Arranges for Charley to be Esther's maid as a gift of love.
Key passages
“I do not quite know even now whether it was painful or pleasurable, whether it drew me towards her or made me shrink from her. I think I admired her with a kind of fear, and I know that in her presence my thoughts always wandered back, as they had done at first, to that old time of my life.”
Esther is uncertain whether her feelings for Lady Dedlock are painful or pleasurable; she admires her with fear and is reminded of her childhood.
Esther's complex emotional response to Lady Dedlock reveals her inner turmoil and the lingering mystery of their connection.
“Mademoiselle, I come from the South country where we are quick and where we like and dislike very strong. My Lady was too high for me; I was too high for her. It is done—past—finished! Receive me as your domestic, and I will serve you well.”
Hortense explains that she and Lady Dedlock could not get along due to pride, and she passionately asks Esther to hire her as a maid.
Hortense's intense and earnest plea highlights her volatile nature and her desire to escape her former position.
“Father, I love this young lady, and we are engaged.”
Prince Turveydrop respectfully informs his father of his engagement to Caddy Jellyby.
Prince's direct but deferential announcement sets off a dramatic reaction from old Mr. Turveydrop.
“If you please, miss, I'm a present to you, with Mr. Jarndyce's love.”
Charley tells Esther that Mr. Jarndyce has sent her as a gift to be Esther's maid.
Mr. Jarndyce's thoughtful gesture demonstrates his care for Esther and his desire to provide her with companionship and help.
