Our Mutual Friend · Chapter
Book the First: The Cup and the Lip explained
The chapter introduces the aftermath of John Harmon's death and the inheritance passing to the Boffins.
What happens
The chapter introduces the aftermath of John Harmon's death and the inheritance passing to the Boffins. Silas Wegg is hired by Mr. Boffin as a reader, and John Rokesmith becomes his secretary. Bella Wilfer meets Rokesmith, and the dynamics of wealth, class, and identity begin to unfold.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Corruption
The inheritance of the Harmon fortune sets the stage for examining how wealth influences characters' actions and relationships.
Social Class and Mobility
The Boffins' rise from servants to wealthy inheritors highlights the possibilities and tensions of class mobility.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Boffin
Inherits the Harmon fortune and hires Silas Wegg as his reader.
- Silas Wegg
Hired by Mr. Boffin to read books aloud, marking his entry into the Boffin household.
- John Rokesmith
Becomes Mr. Boffin's secretary, a key figure in the unfolding plot.
- Bella Wilfer
Meets John Rokesmith, beginning a significant relationship.
Key passages
“The Boffins inherit the Harmon fortune.”
Mr. and Mrs. Boffin become the new wealthy owners of the Harmon estate.
This event sets the central plot in motion.
“Silas Wegg is hired as Mr. Boffin's reader.”
Mr. Boffin employs Silas Wegg to read books to him.
Wegg's role introduces themes of education and ambition.