Our Mutual Friend, Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 9 summary
Book 2: Birds of a Feather, Chapter 9 of 68 · 14 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 9, Sloppy reports Johnny’s serious illness, and Mrs. Boffin and John Rokesmith persuade Betty Higden to let him enter a children’s hospital. The doctor finds help comes too late, and Johnny dies after giving his toys to another patient and asking for a kiss for Bella.
What happens
- Sloppy tells John Rokesmith about Johnny’s spots, troubled breathing, and Betty Higden’s efforts to nurse him without help.
- Mrs. Boffin, Bella Wilfer, and Rokesmith visit Betty with toys and find Johnny dangerously ill.
- Betty fears their proposal to remove Johnny, but Mrs. Boffin reassures her by explaining the children’s hospital.
- Johnny enters the hospital, where toys and neighboring children comfort him, but the doctor privately tells Rokesmith that help comes too late.
- Rokesmith returns that night, and Johnny gives his toys to the boy beside him before sending Bella a kiss and dying.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Johnny’s gifts become his final disposal of his possessions. The sentence joins his generosity to his death without describing a formal legal act.
Quick check
Who receives Johnny’s toys at the hospital?
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