Our Mutual Friend · Chapter
Another Man explained
The chapter details the inquest into John Harmon's death, the public fascination with the case, and the introduction of Mortimer Lightwood and Eugene Wrayburn as disaffected professionals.
What happens
The chapter details the inquest into John Harmon's death, the public fascination with the case, and the introduction of Mortimer Lightwood and Eugene Wrayburn as disaffected professionals. Mortimer visits the Hexam home with Eugene, meeting Charley Hexam and learning about his father Jesse's discovery of the body.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Mortality
The discovery of John Harmon's body and the inquest highlight the theme of death, with the river as a source of corpses.
Identity and Disguise
The mystery surrounding John Harmon's death and the presence of Julius Handford hint at hidden identities.
Characters to notice
- Mortimer Lightwood
Solicitor who gives evidence at the inquest and later visits the Hexam home with Eugene Wrayburn.
- Eugene Wrayburn
Barrister and friend of Mortimer; accompanies him to the Hexam residence, expressing disdain for his profession.
- Charley Hexam
Son of Jesse Hexam; delivers the note to Mortimer and shows literacy and curiosity about books.
- Gaffer Hexam
Father of Charley and Lizzie; the boatman who found John Harmon's body in the Thames.
- Lizzie Hexam
Sister of Charley; engaged in needlework at the Hexam home, credited with teaching Charley to read.
- Mr. Inspector
Police inspector who watches the inquest proceedings and later investigates the case.
Key passages
“I hate my profession.”
Eugene expresses strong dislike for his career as a barrister.
Reflects the characters' disillusionment with their forced professions.
“If there is a word in the dictionary under any letter from A to Z that I abominate, it is energy.”
Eugene despises the concept of energy, calling it a conventional superstition.
Highlights the theme of apathy and critique of societal expectations.
“Pharaoh's multitude that were drowned in the Red Sea, ain't more beyond restoring to life.”
Charley compares the state of the drowned body to the biblical Egyptians, emphasizing its irrecoverability.
Shows Charley's literacy and biblical knowledge, contrasting with his rough environment.