# Strong of Purpose explained — Our Mutual Friend

> Chapter companion for Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

John Rokesmith resolves to let the ghost of John Harmon rest, burying his former identity deeper to protect the Boffins' peace. He encounters Reginald Wilfer, who shows off a new suit from Bella. Rokesmith secures Rogue Riderhood's retraction of the accusation against Gaffer Hexam. He also helps outfit Betty Higden for her independent travels, convincing Mrs. Boffin to respect her wish to earn her own living rather than accept charity, and notes Sloppy's potential for a trade.

## Themes in this chapter

### Charity and Hypocrisy

Mr. Boffin's diatribe against patronizing charity contrasts with Betty Higden's desire for self-reliance, highlighting the tension between genuine help and social pretense.

### Identity and Disguise

Rokesmith's continued concealment of his true identity as John Harmon, burying it 'many fathoms deeper' to protect the Boffins.

## Character check-ins

### John Rokesmith

Resolves to keep John Harmon buried to protect the Boffins; secures Riderhood's retraction; advocates for Betty Higden's independence.

### Reginald Wilfer

Shows off a new suit from Bella and discusses African travel with Rokesmith.

### Bella Wilfer

Gifts her father a new suit; helps outfit Betty Higden; maintains a distant ease with Rokesmith.

### Mr. Boffin

Rants against patronage and patronesses; supports giving Betty Higden a letter of introduction.

### Mrs. Boffin

Reluctantly agrees to let Betty Higden travel and work independently, persuaded by Rokesmith.

### Betty Higden

Determined to earn her own living rather than accept charity; prepares to travel and work in market-gardens.

## Key lines

> The sexton-task of piling earth above John Harmon all night long, was not conducive to sound sleep; but Rokesmith had some broken morning rest, and rose strengthened in his purpose.

After a restless night spent mentally burying his former identity, Rokesmith wakes with renewed resolve.

_Rokesmith's determination to keep John Harmon dead._

> I think it must.

Rokesmith insists that Betty Higden's wish to work independently should be respected.

_Rokesmith advocates for Betty's autonomy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters/xiv-strong-of-purpose
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/our_mutual_friend_se/chapters