A Respected Friend in a New Aspect explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Charity and Hypocrisy

  Riah's kindness to Jenny Wren and the delivery of Lizzie's message contrast with the harsh judgments of society, as seen in Miss Abbey's initial suspicion.

• The River as Symbol

  The river is a site of danger and death, as shown by the steamer accident and the drowning, reinforcing its role as a symbol of mortality and uncertainty.

Characters to notice

• Riah

  Visits Jenny Wren and accompanies her to the Six Jolly Fellowship Porters to deliver a paper from Lizzie Hexam.

• Jenny Wren

  Expects Riah's visit, refers to him as 'godmother,' and accompanies him to the tavern.

• Miss Abbey Potterson

  Presides at the Six Jolly Fellowship Porters, receives Riah and Jenny, and handles the river accident.

• Lizzie Hexam

  Mentioned as having left a paper with Riah and Jenny to deliver to Miss Abbey.

• Tom Tootle

  Reports to Miss Abbey about the steamer accident.

• Bob Gliddery

  Brings news of the river accident to Miss Abbey.

Key passages

• “Good evening, godmother!”

  Jenny Wren greets Riah affectionately as 'godmother.'

  Highlights the playful, familial bond between Jenny and Riah.

• “It's summut run down in the fog, ma'am. There's ever so many people in the river.”

  Bob Gliddery reports that something has been run down in the fog, causing many people to enter the river.

  Introduces the river accident and the ensuing chaos.

• “If it's proud to have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts, she is proud.”

  Jenny Wren defends Lizzie Hexam's pride as a virtue of kindness and patience.

  Shows Jenny's loyalty to Lizzie and challenges Miss Abbey's earlier criticism.