Our Mutual Friend, Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 1 summary

What happens

1. The narrator describes Charley’s confused first school and explains how his ability brings him into Bradley Headstone’s school.
2. Headstone accompanies Charley to see Lizzie, while Miss Peecher’s conversation with Mary Anne reveals her unreturned love for him.
3. At Lizzie’s lodging, a young doll’s dressmaker describes her work, physical pain, and anger at children who mock her.
4. Lizzie welcomes the visitors, then explains to Charley why she helps the child despite his objections to her lodging.
5. After leaving Lizzie, Charley recognizes Eugene Wrayburn on the bridge, and Headstone questions him closely about their acquaintance.
6. Charley fears embarrassment over Lizzie’s limited education, and Headstone discusses marriage and promises to consider educational help.

In this chapter

What to notice

Lizzie challenges Charley’s wish to abandon their past. Her questions distinguish his pursuit of advancement from her sense of responsibility toward others.

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