# Like and Unlike explained — The Trail of the Serpent

> Chapter companion for The Trail of the Serpent by M. E. Braddon.

## What happens

Jabez North encounters Jim Lomax and his family in the slums of Blind Peter, where the striking physical resemblance between the two men is noted by a doctor. Jim is gravely ill with rheumatic fever, and his devoted partner Sillikens cares for him. Jabez, intrigued by the likeness and the old woman's hints about a secret involving gold, begins to contemplate a scheme, as evidenced by his subsequent purchase of hair dye.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Inequality

The stark contrast between Jabez's relatively comfortable position and the Lomax family's destitution highlights class divisions.

### Urban Depravity and Poverty

Blind Peter is portrayed as a squalid slum where characters struggle with illness, hunger, and hopelessness.

### Duality and Deception

The physical resemblance between Jabez and Jim introduces themes of duality, as Jabez begins to consider exploiting the likeness for his own ends.

## Character check-ins

### Jabez North

Observes the Lomax family and his own resemblance to Jim; later buys hair dye, hinting at a plan.

### Jim Lomax

Returns home ill and destitute; diagnosed with rheumatic fever and likely to die.

### Sillikens

Jim's devoted partner; works at a factory and cares for him selflessly.

### Mrs. Martha Jones

The old woman (grandmother) who hints at a secret involving gold and the other child.

## Key lines

> “Why, curse his impudence!” said the man, with a faint sickly laugh; “I'm blest if he hasn't been and boned my mug.”

Jim Lomax curses in disbelief, accusing Jabez of stealing his face.

_Jim immediately notices the uncanny resemblance between himself and Jabez._

> “Why, my deary, that's a part of the secret you're to know some of these days. Such a secret. Gold, gold, gold, as long as it's kept; and gold when it's told, if it's told at the right time, deary.”

The old woman hints at a secret involving hidden gold, tied to the other child.

_This secret likely involves the fate of a twin or double, and motivates Jabez's later actions._

> “I should have taken you for twin brothers. The likeness between you is something wonderful; in spite, too, of the great difference in your clothes. Dressed alike, it would be impossible to tell one from the other.”

The doctor remarks on the striking resemblance between Jabez and Jim, noting they could pass for twins if dressed similarly.

_This observation plants the idea in Jabez's mind to assume Jim's identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters/ii-like-and-unlike
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_trail_of_the_serpent_se/chapters