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Book 2, Chapter 7
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Our Mutual Friend, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Society, Class, and Character
Greed and Corruption
Marriage, Adoption, and Family
Education vs. Real-World Experience
Misfits and Outcasts
Summary
Analysis
Boffin has begun to get used to life in his new mansion, at least to the extent that he can. Bella would look pretty anywhere, but she begins to become even more attractive with the Boffins’ wealth. One day, Boffin takes Bella aside to discuss Mr. Rokesmith. He admits that Rokesmith has been very helpful in getting his affairs in order, but he finds Rokesmith strange, as he refuses to meet in person with almost anyone except Bella.
The comment that Bella becomes more beautiful with wealth reflects how wealth is such an important factor to marriage in this society—it makes a person a more attractive marriage partner. Meanwhile, Rokesmith’s strange habits are yet another sign that he is hiding something about his identity—he seems to fear that someone will recognize him.
Themes
Literary Devices
Bella believes that Rokesmith likes her, and while this used to excite her, she now acts contemptuously toward him. Rokesmith often offers to do work for her as part of his role as the Boffins’ secretary, but Bella says she prefers to do things herself.
One day, Bella leaves her new home to go back and visit her family, including Mrs. Wilfer and Lavinia. Lavinia makes fun of Bella’s fancy new lifestyle, but Mrs. Wilfer scolds her. Still, Mrs. Wilfer herself insinuates that Bella must be too busy with Boffin and Henerietty to spend time with her real family. Only Mr. Wilfer compliments Bella on how she’s grown up with the Boffins.
Like many of the socially mobile characters in the story, Bella finds it difficult to go backwards after she’s seen upper-class life. In this passage, Mrs. Wilfer demonstrates her hypocritical personality—she was the one who wanted Bella to start acting more like a lady, but now she criticizes Bella for leaving behind her home.
Themes
Mr. Wilfer asks Bella if she thinks she’ll stay with Boffin for good. Bella admits that she cares more about money than she ever thought she would. She accuses herself of becoming “mercenary,” but Mr. Wilfer assures her that her feelings are normal. Bella says she’s decided that if she wants money, she’ll have to marry into it. Mr. Wilfer is a little surprised at this part and admits that he himself didn’t marry for money. After Bella leaves, she wishes she could resolve her contradiction of wanting money but still wanting her old life.
Despite how Bella rejects Rokesmith for being poor, a part of her realizes that it’s not good to be too greedy. Mr. Wilfer demonstrates his close bond with Bella in this passage, supporting her even as she makes decisions that he himself didn’t (like prioritizing money in marriage). Mr. Wilfer’s marriage isn’t perfect, but his decision to marry for love instead of money seems to have served him much better than more “mercenary” characters like the Lammles, who marry for wealth.
Themes
Literary Devices
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