Our Mutual Friend · Chapter
Boffin's Bower explained
Silas Wegg, a one-legged street vendor, is hired by Mr.
What happens
Silas Wegg, a one-legged street vendor, is hired by Mr. Boffin to read to him at his home, Boffin's Bower (formerly known as Harmony Jail). Wegg, a cunning and self-important man, sees this as an opportunity for financial gain. The chapter introduces the Boffins' humble yet eccentric home, their affectionate relationship, and Wegg's manipulative nature as he begins his new role as a literary man.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
The Boffins' rise from humble beginnings to property owners and their attempt to adopt 'Fashion' highlight themes of social mobility and class identity.
Charity and Hypocrisy
Mr. Boffin's generous hiring of Wegg contrasts with Wegg's manipulative intentions, exploring the hypocrisy in charitable acts.
Characters to notice
- Silas Wegg
A one-legged street vendor hired by Mr. Boffin as a reader; he is cunning, self-important, and sees the job as an opportunity for profit.
- Mr. Boffin
The cheerful and simple new master of Boffin's Bower; he eagerly hires Wegg to read to him and shares his home's history.
- Mrs. Boffin
Mr. Boffin's affectionate wife; she maintains her own style in the home and participates in the welcome for Wegg.
Key passages
“Print is now opening ahead of me. This night, a literary man— with a wooden leg— will begin to lead me a new life!”
Mr. Boffin excitedly tells Wegg that his reading will open up a new world of knowledge and enjoyment for him.
Highlights Mr. Boffin's naive enthusiasm for learning and his admiration for Wegg's perceived literary skills.
“His wooden conceit and craft kept exact pace with the delighted expectation of his victim.”
Wegg's arrogance and cunning matched Mr. Boffin's eager anticipation, as Wegg planned to exploit the situation.
Reveals Wegg's manipulative nature and the dynamic of exploitation between him and the trusting Mr. Boffin.