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Our Mutual Friend


Synopsis


Following his father's death John Harmon returns to London to claim his inheritance, but he finds he is eligible only if he marries Bella Wilfur. To observe her character he assumes another identity and secures work with his father's foreman, Mr Boffin, who is also Bella's guardian. Disguise and concealment play an important role in the novel and individual identity is examined within the wider setting of London life: in the 1860s the city was aflame with spiralling financial speculation while thousands of homeless scratched a living from the detritus of the more fortunate-indeed John Harmon's father has amassed his wealth by recycling waste. This edition includes extensive explanatory notes and significant manuscript variants. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Charles Dickens (author), Michael Cotsell (editor)

Summary

Chapter 1: The Satis House

* Summary: A young man, John Rokesmith, arrives at the Satis House in Rochester, Kent. The house is owned by the eccentric Miss Havisham, who has been a recluse since her jilting at the altar.
* Real Example: John Rokesmith is a mysterious figure who becomes a significant character in the story. His true identity and motivations are unknown.

Chapter 2: The Lady's Room

* Summary: John Rokesmith meets Miss Havisham, who is now an elderly woman. She wears her wedding dress from her jilting day and lives in a room covered in cobwebs and clocks that have been stopped at the time of her misfortune.
* Real Example: Miss Havisham's room is a symbol of her bitterness and the damage caused by her broken heart.

Chapter 3: The Estella

* Summary: John Rokesmith also meets Estella, the beautiful young ward of Miss Havisham. Estella is cold and calculating, having been raised by Miss Havisham to be cruel to men.
* Real Example: Estella is a complex character who is both alluring and emotionally detached. Her actions reflect Miss Havisham's desire for revenge.

Chapter 4: The Pursuit

* Summary: John Rokesmith befriends Pip, a young orphan who has been living in the Marsh Country. Pip falls in love with Estella, but she rejects his advances.
* Real Example: Pip's pursuit of Estella is a painful and ultimately futile journey that leads to his heartbreak.

Chapter 5: The Stone Lodge

* Summary: Pip meets Bentley Drummle, a cruel and wealthy suitor for Estella. Pip also learns that his benefactor is a mysterious man named Provis.
* Real Example: Bentley Drummle is a one-dimensional character who represents the dangers of class prejudice.

Chapter 6: Hexam

* Summary: Pip helps the poor Thames waterman, Gaffer Hexam, and his daughter, Lizzie. Gaffer Hexam is later murdered, and Lizzie becomes Pip's companion.
* Real Example: The Hexams are a working-class family who struggle to survive in a harsh world. Their story provides a contrast to the wealth and privilege enjoyed by the upper classes.

Chapter 7: Mr. Wegg

* Summary: Pip meets Silas Wegg, a legless vendor who befriends Lizzie. Wegg is a scheming and dishonest man who steals a file from Miss Havisham.
* Real Example: Silas Wegg is a humorous but also sinister character who represents the lower depths of London society.

Chapter 8: The Wound

* Summary: Pip and Lizzie investigate the murder of Gaffer Hexam. They uncover a conspiracy involving Compeyson, the man who jilted Miss Havisham.
* Real Example: The investigation into Gaffer Hexam's murder reveals the hidden connections between the characters and the secrets they have kept.

Chapter 9: The Way Out

* Summary: John Rokesmith's true identity is revealed as John Harmon, the son of Miss Havisham's jilter. He marries Estella, who has been disillusioned with Drummle.
* Real Example: John Harmon's revelation provides a shocking twist to the story and ultimately offers a glimmer of hope for the characters.