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Our Mutual Friend, Book 4: A Turning, Chapter 3 summary

Book 4: A Turning, Chapter 3 of 68 · 16 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 3, Mr Boffin meets Venus for support, then submits to Silas Wegg’s demands for two thirds of the combined property and further payments. He accepts the terms before examining the document, confirms that he has no doubts after reading it, and asks to keep the arrangement from Mrs Boffin while Wegg insists on supervising him.

What happens

  1. Mr Boffin thanks Venus for supporting him while continuing to appear to be Wegg’s partner.
  2. At the Bower, Wegg orders Boffin to dismiss Sloppy and demands two thirds of the property, additional charges, and control over the Mounds.
  3. After a short walk under Wegg’s watch, Boffin accepts the terms and asks to examine the document.
  4. At Venus’s shop, Wegg holds Boffin against a raised chair while Venus displays the paper, which Boffin reads aloud.
  5. Boffin expresses no doubts about the document and asks to conceal the division from his wife; Wegg demands access to his house.
  6. Wegg escorts Boffin home, calls him back to the door, and mocks him through the keyhole.

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In this chapter

BoffinSilas WeggTheme: Greed and control

What to notice

Boffin gives in before inspecting the evidence. The order of these actions shows the force of Wegg’s pressure.

Quick check

When does Boffin accept Wegg’s terms?

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