Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who wrote 'Our Mutual Friend'?
Who wrote 'Our Mutual Friend'?
Charles Dickens.
Why was John Harmon going to be rich?
Why was John Harmon going to be rich?
Because he inherited all of his father's money.
Who spoke to Hexam from another boat?
Who spoke to Hexam from another boat?
Rogue Riderhood.
What was the thing at the end of the rope?
What was the thing at the end of the rope?
Why did John Harmon come back again?
Why did John Harmon come back again?
Who was Bella Wilfer?
Who was Bella Wilfer?
Who was Mr. Lightwood?
Who was Mr. Lightwood?
Who is John Harmon?
Who is John Harmon?
Who is Nicodemus Boffin?
Who is Nicodemus Boffin?
Who is Bella Wilfer?
Who is Bella Wilfer?
What did Hexam say about the river?
What did Hexam say about the river?
How does Lizzie show loyalty to her brother?
How does Lizzie show loyalty to her brother?
What does Harmon's will state?
What does Harmon's will state?
What does Mr. Boffin ask Mortimer?
What does Mr. Boffin ask Mortimer?
What was the Boffins' offer to Bella?
What was the Boffins' offer to Bella?
What evil deeds does Riderhood commit?
What evil deeds does Riderhood commit?
What does Mr. Rokesmith do at Mr. Boffin's?
What does Mr. Rokesmith do at Mr. Boffin's?
What is the only thing Mr. Rokesmith would do at the Boffins?
What is the only thing Mr. Rokesmith would do at the Boffins?
What changes occur in Bella after moving to the Boffins' house?
What changes occur in Bella after moving to the Boffins' house?
What is Bella's attitude towards Rokesmith and her family?
What is Bella's attitude towards Rokesmith and her family?
Clarify Lizzie and Charly's relationship and how her tenderness was met with ingratitude?
Clarify Lizzie and Charly's relationship and how her tenderness was met with ingratitude?
Study Notes
Author and Characters
- "Our Mutual Friend" was written by Charles Dickens.
- John Harmon inherited his father's fortune after his death.
- Rogue Riderhood is the character who spoke to Hexam from another boat.
- Bella Wilfer is the young woman John Harmon was supposed to marry.
Plot Elements
- The thing at the end of the rope turned out to be a drowned man's body.
- John Harmon returned to England to claim his inheritance but faced attempts on his life.
- Nicodemus Boffin, nicknamed Noddy and "The Golden Dustman," inherits the Harmon fortune after John Harmon's presumed death.
- Bella's character evolves from selfishness to genuine affection towards John Harmon.
Key Relationships
- Mr. Lightwood serves as John Harmon's lawyer throughout the story.
- Lizzie Hexam is a loyal daughter, providing for her brother despite his ingratitude.
- Lizzie's relationship with her brother Charly exemplifies the theme of familial loyalty met with selfishness.
Themes and Motifs
- Money and avarice influence characters' actions and relationships; Boffin displays increasing greed under Harmon's secret guidance.
- Bella's disdain for her family's poverty reflects how wealth affects personal values and relationships.
- The old Harmon's will stipulates that John can only inherit if he marries a girl he last saw as a child, emphasizing the theme of obligation.
Symbolism and Quotes
- "The river is your best friend" highlights Hexam's complex relationship with the river as a source of livelihood and danger.
- John Rokesmith, another identity of John Harmon, becomes Boffin's secretary, leading to further developments in the plot.
Conflicts and Resolutions
- Riderhood's actions include blackmail, proving his character to be morally corrupt.
- Bella's transformation after moving in with the Boffins shows the impact of wealth on her character, initially making her selfish.
- Mr. Rokesmith's role as a letter-reader for Mr. Boffin illustrates the theme of literacy and communication challenges faced by some characters.
Additional Notes
- The relationship dynamics among characters often reflect broader societal themes related to class, wealth, and personal integrity.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of Charles Dickens' novel, 'Our Mutual Friend', with these flashcards. Each card features a key question or word related to the characters and plot. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of this classic work.
