Our Mutual Friend, Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 10 summary
Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 10 of 68 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, Mrs Boffin responds to Johnny’s death by deciding against reusing John Harmon’s name and reconsidering what makes charity unselfish. When Sloppy arrives, she offers him lasting care, but his concern for Mrs. Higden makes that arrangement depend on protecting her livelihood too.
What happens
- The Reverend Frank Milvey conducts Johnny’s burial with sympathy, while Mr Wegg welcomes the failure of the adoption.
- Rokesmith comforts Mrs Boffin and answers her questions about his dead family and apparent sadness.
- Mrs Boffin, her husband, Bella, and Rokesmith agree to preserve John Harmon’s name as a memory rather than reuse it.
- Mrs Boffin decides that helping an orphan should serve his needs rather than satisfy her own preferences.
- Sloppy arrives, reports on Betty and the Minders, and receives an offer of daily meals and lasting care.
- Sloppy insists that Mrs. Higden must have help with her mangle, and Mrs Boffin promises to arrange it.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mrs Boffin questions whether her adoption plans chiefly satisfy herself. This change in purpose prepares the offer to Sloppy.
Quick check
What makes Sloppy hesitate over Mrs Boffin’s offer?
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