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Book 3, Chapter 10
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
Headstone finds it difficult to sleep at night, thinking of Lizzie, and Miss Peecher has trouble sleeping thinking of Headstone. Headstone goes to spy on Eugene and notices someone leaving a letter for Mortimer. Outside the office, Headstone happens to start a conversation with another man who also dislikes Eugene. It turns out the man is Roger Riderhood. Headstone learns that Roger has taken a job overseeing a river lock.
Headstone’s association with Roger Riderhood, who attempted to murder John and seems to have committed other crimes as well, shows how Headstone’s obsession with Lizzie continues to lead him on a moral descent. If Headstone were capable of putting aside his obsession, he might realize that Miss Peecher actually would accept his love and might be a better choice.
Themes
Headstone gives Roger a few coins, claiming not to want anything in return. But Roger senses correctly that Headstone is after information about Eugene and Lizzie. Roger confirms that he’s seen Eugene with Lizzie, but he doesn’t know where Lizzie is. Headstone promises to come see Roger again soon at the lock where he works.
Headstone offers a gift to Roger, but it’s clear that this “gift” comes with strings attached. This is the exact opposite of a realization that Henerietty had earlier about how true charity must be given with no expectations of receiving anything in return.
Themes
