Bleak House: Chapter 52 Summary & Analysis

Esther is walking in the garden, when Mr. Woodcourt hurries towards her and tells her that George has been arrested for Mr. Tulkinghorn’s murder. Esther is horrified when she remembers Lady Dedlock’s hatred of the lawyer and rushes inside with Mr. Woodcourt to consult Mr. Jarndyce. Mr. Jarndyce does not believe that George is guilty, and Esther acknowledges that it is unfortunate that there appears to be so much evidence against him.

Mr. Woodcourt explains that George is the one who sent him to see Mr. Jarndyce and the rest of the group because the trooper is very concerned that his friends will think he’s guilty. Mr. Jarndyce says that he will stand by George. Mr. Woodcourt and Mr. Jarndyce decide to visit George immediately. Esther goes too, both for George’s sake, but also because of Mr. Tulkinghorn’s relationship with her mother, Lady Dedlock.

They are allowed into George’s cell and immediately let the trooper know that they believe he is innocent. They are surprised to find George very calm; he explains that as he is innocent and there is nothing he can do, he sees no point in protesting about his situation. Mr. Jarndyce asks if George has entered a plea and he replies that he has told the magistrate the truth. Mr. Jarndyce exclaims that the truth alone will not do, and that George needs a lawyer, but the trooper does not want one. He dislikes lawyers and says that Gridley did not have one. Mr. Jarndyce protests that Equity is a different type of law.

George explains that, even if he had a lawyer, the man would probably not believe him and would lie about events in court. George explains that he did have motive to kill Mr. Tulkinghorn because he was very much in debt to the man. George says that, if he is to be hanged, he’d rather be hanged on his own terms as an honest man. While he talks, the door opens and, a few moments later, they are alerted to the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Bagnet, who have just entered the cell.

Mrs. Bagnet, who has heard the conversation, urges George to take Mr. Jarndyce’s advice. Mrs. Bagnet complains that George has always been willful and gives him the small supper which she has brought for him. Esther notices that Mrs. Bagnet is signaling for them to meet her outside and she draws Mr. Jarndyce away with many kind words to the trooper. As Esther leaves the room, George looks at her intently and remarks on a strange coincidence. He thinks that he saw Esther the previous night outside Mr. Tulkinghorn’s house. Esther feels a chill at these words as she leaves the cell.

Mrs. Bagnet follows them outside and immediately bursts into tears. She composes herself quickly though, and tells Esther that although George will never admit this, his mother is still alive and must be summoned. Mrs. Bagnet decides then and there that she will go to Lincolnshire herself and fetch George’s mother. She sets off right away with a small pouch of money in her skirts. Esther and Mr. Jarndyce watch her go, amazed, and Mr. Bagnet remarks that she is an incredible woman.