Our Mutual Friend, Book 3: A Long Lane, Chapter 8 summary
Book 3: A Long Lane, Chapter 8 of 68 · 19 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Betty Higden travels beside the Thames, suffers repeated collapses, and flees parish relief because she fears losing her independence and burial money. After a deputy lockkeeper takes her spending money, she struggles onward until Lizzie Hexam finds her dying and promises to protect her body and letter from the Parish.
What happens
- The narrator condemns a relief system that makes respectable poor people fear the help intended for them.
- Betty Higden sells small goods along the Thames while increasing weakness threatens her independence.
- After collapsing in a marketplace, Betty escapes people who suggest taking her to the parish doctor.
- A deputy lockkeeper exploits her fear of parish authorities and takes her money before allowing her to leave.
- Lost and failing, Betty preserves her burial money and letter, then settles beneath a tree near a paper mill.
- Lizzie Hexam comforts Betty, promises to exclude the Parish, kisses her, and lifts her as she dies.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Betty explains the fear driving her flight. Her desire for independence makes even offers of official medical help seem dangerous.
Quick check
What does Betty ask Lizzie to do with her letter?
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