Our Mutual Friend, Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 7 summary
Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 7 of 68 · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 7, Silas Wegg persuades Mr Venus to join a secret search of the dust mounds, hoping to discover valuables or papers they can sell for profit. Their agreement turns Wegg’s resentment toward Mr Boffin into joint action, while a considerate message delivered by Mr Rokesmith only strengthens Wegg’s hostility toward the messenger.
What happens
- Wegg resents Boffin’s visits and pretends to mourn the mansion’s former household, whose names he invents.
- Mr Venus brings Wegg his purchased parcel, and they argue briefly before drinking and smoking together.
- Wegg complains about being passed over and questions Venus about old Mr Harmon’s possible hiding places.
- Venus suggests that the mounds might contain money, valuables, or documents, including wills and codicils.
- Wegg recruits Venus into a secret search with equal profits, and Venus agrees because romantic rejection leaves him bitter.
- Rokesmith delivers Boffin’s considerate message, but Wegg treats the visit as further reason to distrust him.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The proposal gives the partnership its practical purpose. Wegg’s language of friendship disguises a plan to profit from discoveries on Boffin’s property.
Quick check
Why does Wegg particularly want Venus to help search the mounds?
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