# The Friendly Move Takes Up a Strong Position explained — Our Mutual Friend

> Chapter companion for Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Silas Wegg and Mr. Venus solidify their partnership, with Wegg revealing that he has found a cashbox and proposing a conditional clause to control Mr. Boffin, whom they now view as a minion and worm. Wegg's greed grows as he suspects Boffin's fondness for money, and he manipulates Venus by referencing his unrequited interest in Pleasant Riderhood.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Corruption

Wegg's greed and desire to spoliate Boffin's wealth, and his suspicion that Boffin has grown too fond of money, highlight the corrupting influence of wealth.

### Charity and Hypocrisy

Wegg's self-justifying rhetoric about the 'minion and worm' and his proposal to keep Boffin in 'abject moral bondage' reveal his hypocritical and predatory intentions.

## Character check-ins

### Silas Wegg

Reveals finding a cashbox, proposes controlling Mr. Boffin, and manipulates Mr. Venus by referencing Pleasant Riderhood.

### Mr. Venus

Partners with Wegg, distrusts him, and reveals his past interest in Pleasant Riderhood.

### Mr. Boffin

Referenced as the 'minion and worm' whom Wegg and Venus plot to control; leaves the yard after slamming the gate.

### Pleasant Riderhood

Mentioned by Mr. Venus as the woman he was interested in; her father was mixed up in the affairs.

## Key lines

> He's grown too fond of money for that, he's grown too fond of money.

Wegg convinces himself that Boffin's love of money will prevent him from acting honestly.

_Wegg's internal justification for his plot against Boffin._

> I wanted to give you a delightful sap—pur—ize!

I wanted to give you a delightful surprise.

_Wegg explains why he withheld information about the cashbox from Venus._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/vii-the-friendly-move-takes-up-a-strong-position
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters