Bleak House : Week Three

[Marie]

Chapters 18 - 26

[QNPoohBear]

New characters are introduced almost halfway through the story- the odious, parsimonious Smallweeds. What an unpleasant lot! They have some connection to a so-called "friend" in the city and a mysterious Mr. George, who the character list explains is the son of the housekeeper of Lord and Lady Dedlock.

I don't understand the abrupt transition in Charley's story. One page she's working for the awful Smallwoods and next she's going to be Esther's maid? That was too quick a transition.

I felt really bad for the bricklayers' wives. That story is just so heartbreaking. I also feel bad for Caddy. She'll be stuck with that awful puffed up father-in-law forever.

Richard chooses yet another profession but is still counting his money before it's his; and so he and Ada must part! Richard should heed Mr. Gridley's warning. Poor Mr. Gridley! Chancery broke him and destroyed his soul.

I didn't really understand the part about Rev. Chadbrand and Jo. Poor little Jo who don't know nofink. Mrs. Snagsby suspects something and I suspect she's going to meddle and hurt poor Jo.

People seem to recognize Esther when she has never seen them before. Is this a connection to her past? They also think she's rich and "high and mighty." Does this have something to do with her past or her present with her guardian (who is falling in love with her)?