# Mr. Wegg Looks After Himself explained — Our Mutual Friend

> Chapter companion for Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Silas Wegg visits Mr. Venus's shop in Clerkenwell to negotiate the repurchase of his amputated leg. The chapter reveals Wegg's growing ambition and his attempt to secure his remains from being dispersed, while also exposing Mr. Venus's romantic despair over a woman who objects to his trade in bones.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Mobility

Wegg's ambition to elevate himself and his concern for respectability reflect the theme of social mobility.

### Death and Mortality

The shop's collection of bones, skeletons, and preserved specimens underscores the omnipresence of death.

## Character check-ins

### Silas Wegg

Visits Mr. Venus to buy back his amputated leg, revealing his ambition and desire for respectability.

### Mr. Venus

A taxidermist and articulator of bones, in low spirits due to unrequited love; he agrees to hold Wegg's leg for him.

## Key lines

> Boffin will get all the eagerer for waiting a bit

Wegg deliberately delays his visit to make Boffin more eager.

_Shows Wegg's manipulative strategy to increase his leverage._

> I have a prospect of getting on in life and elevating myself by my own independent exertions

Wegg claims he has a chance to improve his social standing through his own efforts.

_Highlights Wegg's ambition and self-perception._

> She objects to the business

The woman Mr. Venus loves disapproves of his trade in bones.

_Reveals the social stigma attached to Venus's profession._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vii-mr-wegg-looks-after-himself
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters