Bleak House
Charles Dickens
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
Fog
What does the fog of the opening chapter say about the Court of Chancery and the world of the novel?
Keep the conversation going
- Why has Jarndyce and Jarndyce gone on so long?
- Who profits from it?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
What does the fog of the opening chapter say about the Court of Chancery and the world of the novel?
Keep the conversation going
- Why has Jarndyce and Jarndyce gone on so long?
- Who profits from it?
Why do you think Dickens alternates between Esther's voice and a narrator in the present tense?
Keep the conversation going
- How do the two voices see the same world differently?
- Which did you prefer?
How did you feel about Esther, modest to a fault?
Keep the conversation going
- Does her self-effacement hide something?
- How does her illness change her, and the way others see her?
What does Lady Dedlock's secret cost her, and was it worth keeping?
Keep the conversation going
- How did you feel when she and Esther met in the woods?
- What did her final flight and death make you feel?
Why does Tulkinghorn hunt down Lady Dedlock's secret?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of Inspector Bucket's investigation of his murder?
- Did the culprit surprise you?
Why can't Richard escape the lure of the suit?
Keep the conversation going
- What does Ada's loyalty to him cost her?
- Who could have saved him?
What does Jo, the crossing-sweeper, show about the society around him?
Keep the conversation going
- How did you feel at his death?
- Who in the novel is responsible for him?
How did you feel when the suit ends, consumed by its costs?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of Jarndyce giving Esther up to Allan Woodcourt?
- Is the new Bleak House a happy ending?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.