Our Mutual Friend, Part 68 summary

Part 68 of 68 · Book 4: A Turning · 4 min to read the part

In Postscript In Place of a Preface, the author explains his handling of identity, hidden purposes, and monthly publication, then defends the plausibility of wills and attacks Poor Law administration. He closes by describing a railway accident in which he helps others and retrieves his manuscript, linking the book’s completion with gratitude for survival.

What happens

The author says he deliberately suggests that Mr. John Harmon survives and uses the name Mr. John Rokesmith.
He explains the difficulty of sustaining a hidden purpose through nineteen months of publication, while defending the method’s advantages.
He argues that actual records contain more extraordinary wills than those attributed to the elder Mr. Harmon.
He rejects arguments against his Poor Law criticism and condemns unlawful, inhumane administration.
He recalls helping others after a railway accident, retrieving manuscript scenes, and feeling grateful for his survival.