Our Mutual Friend, Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 8 summary
Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 8 of 68 · 26 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Bella Wilfer visits her family after Rokesmith stirs her conscience, quarrels with her mother and sister, and takes her father to Greenwich with money from Mr Boffin. She gives her father clothes and money but declares her determination to marry for wealth, exposing the conflict between her affection and ambition.
What happens
- Mr Boffin puzzles over Rokesmith’s avoidance of company, while Bella interprets the secretary’s behavior as jealousy over Lightwood.
- Rokesmith’s questions about her family make Bella feel guilty and announce a visit she has not planned.
- Bella quarrels with her mother and Lavinia, then leaves with a purse that Rokesmith delivers from Mr Boffin.
- Discovering fifty pounds inside, Bella collects her father, buys him clothes, and takes him to Greenwich for dinner.
- Bella confesses her plan to marry for money, promises her father confidence, and gives him the remaining funds.
- Back at the Boffins’ house, Bella weeps over her father’s poverty and her own conflicting wishes.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Bella distinguishes hoarding from wanting the comforts money supplies. Her confession explains her marriage plans without erasing her generosity toward her father.
Quick check
What does Bella do with the money remaining after the outing?
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