# Book the Second: Birds of a Feather explained — Our Mutual Friend

> Chapter companion for Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

This chapter introduces the second book of the novel, focusing on the theme of social and moral affinities, as characters are drawn together by shared traits or circumstances.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Mobility

The chapter explores how characters from different social strata are brought together by the Harmon inheritance, highlighting the fluidity and constraints of class.

### Identity and Disguise

John Rokesmith's hidden identity and the deceptive appearances of characters like Silas Wegg underscore the theme of disguise.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Boffin

Mr. Boffin continues as the new master of the Harmon fortune, navigating his role in society.

### Silas Wegg

Silas Wegg remains in Mr. Boffin's employ as his reader, scheming in the background.

### Bella Wilfer

Bella Wilfer is drawn into the Boffin household, her character developing amidst new social dynamics.

### John Rokesmith

John Rokesmith appears as Mr. Boffin's secretary, his true identity still concealed.

## Key lines

> Book the Second Birds of a Feather

The second book begins, titled after the proverb that similar people tend to associate with each other.

_The title sets the thematic tone for the book, focusing on character affinities and moral alignments._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/book-the-second-birds-of-a-feather
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters