Bleak House: Chapter 17 Summary & Analysis

Richard often visits Esther and Ada, and he seems very cheerful. Esther thinks it is a shame, however, that Richard has so little discipline and thinks that he relies too much on talent and charm rather than hard work. She thinks that the Chancery suit, too, has made him careless and that he is rather like a gambler.

One night, Mr. and Mrs. Badger join them for dinner, and Mrs. Badger observes that Richard does not enjoy his work and that, unlike Mr. Woodcourt, Richard does not have the patience or dedication required to make a success of himself. Ada anxiously asks if Mr. Badger agrees. and Mr. Badger says that he trusts Mrs. Badger’s opinion because she has been married to two great men. Mrs. Badger chimes in to say that her previous husbands believed that, if you are going to do something, it is better to put your all into it than to do things half-heartedly.

The next evening, Richard comes to visit Esther and Ada, and they tell him what the Badgers said. Richard seems unconcerned and admits that he does not care much about his profession. Ada appears downhearted but does not wish to trouble Richard. Esther tries to persuade Richard to take his career seriously, but he dislikes the hard work. He thinks perhaps he should try something else, and Esther and Ada encourage him to try and discover his passion.

Richard tells them that he wants to study law, and that he has been to see Mr. Kenge to find out how Jarndyce and Jarndyce progresses. Esther and Ada are worried that he will pin his hopes on the case, but Richard assures them he will not and that he will take his law career seriously.

Esther and Ada encourage him to tell Mr. Jarndyce about this change of profession and Richard agrees. Mr. Jarndyce takes this news graciously and assures Ada that he thinks no less of Richard because of this change. Esther thinks that Mr. Jarndyce looks worried, however. Esther tries to go to bed, but she feels miserable and decides to stay up and work. She goes to the Growlery to get some of her work things and finds Mr. Jarndyce still up.

Esther sits down with him and asks him what is wrong. Mr. Jarndyce says that she would not understand but agrees to tell her something of her origins instead. He tells her that nine years ago, he received a letter from her aunt, Miss Barbary, which told him about a little girl whom she had raised in secret to hide a familial shame. He worried for the child and agreed to become her guardian, though he never met Miss Barbary. Esther recalls her aunt’s unkind words and, again, tentatively thanks Mr. Jarndyce for his kindness. She says that he is like a father to her, but Mr. Jarndyce seems strangely depressed and sends her off to bed.

The next day, Mr. Woodcourt comes to visit and brings his mother, Mrs. Woodcourt. Mr. Woodcourt has plans to travel to China and has come to say goodbye. His mother is Welsh and tells them that their family hails from a noble line of Welsh ancestors. She further insinuates that her son must marry someone who is of high social standing and Esther wonders why she feels the need to mention this. Mr. Woodcourt also seems a little embarrassed by his mother and bids Esther a courteous farewell.

Esther keeps herself busy for the rest of the day and is surprised when Caddy comes to see her. Caddy gives Esther a bunch of flowers, and Esther thinks that they are Caddy’s and that Prince given them to her. Caddy, however, tells Esther that the flowers were left for her at Miss Flite’s house by someone who was in a rush to board a ship. Ada teases Esther when she hears this.