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Book 4, Chapter 4
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
Mrs. Wilfer is very gloomy when Mr. Wilfer comes back to her after Bella’s wedding. Bella’s letter didn’t mention that Mr. Wilfer was with her, so Mr. Wilfer pretends not to know of Bella’s whereabouts. Mr. Wilfer pretends to be surprised by the letter, then says they should try to make the best of things. Lavinia also tries to calm Mrs. Wilfer, saying that Lavinia herself is affected by Bella’s decision (since her sister’s “disreputable” marriage could affect her standing with the family of her new fiancé, George Sampson), but she supports Bella anyway. Mrs. Wilfer, however, stays angry.
Although many characters have attempted to manipulate others in cruel, calculating ways, Mr. Wilfer’s deception of Mrs. Wilfer is for a good cause, and so it comes across as more humorous. By marrying George Sampson, Lavinia seems to be fulfilling her mother’s wishes better than Bella, not realizing that Bella has in fact married the very wealthy John Harmon. The fact that Lavinia defends Bella without even knowing the truth about John’s identity shows that, like Mr. Wilfer, she values things in marriage other than money, even though her future husband is a gentleman.
Themes
Within a few weeks, Bella and Rokesmith come to the Wilfer house for tea. Bella acts like nothing’s wrong, and Mrs. Wilfer isn’t sure what to do. Bella explains that although she and Rokesmith live modestly, they have enough money to get by. By the end of the visit, Mrs. Wilfer almost looks relaxed.
Bella’s refusal to apologize for her decision emphasizes how she believes she’s done nothing to be ashamed of. Although she is not as forceful with her words as Lavinia, she subtly defies Mrs. Wilfer’s objections to her marriage. Bella’s polite way of going about this leaves Mrs. Wilfer with no option but to accept the new reality of Bella’s marriage.
Themes
After Rokesmith and Bella leave, Bella senses that something is bothering Rokesmith and asks him about it. Rokesmith asks Bella if she’d prefer if he was rich. Bella insists that she feels rich enough just having Rokesmith. Her only regret is losing contact with Henerietty. Bella realizes she hasn’t written to Lizzie for a while and decides to tell her about her marriage. Bella asks Rokesmith to forgive her for how selfishly she behaved in the past, then gives him some big news: she’s pregnant.
Rokesmith is John Harmon, so he could claim his wealth if he wanted to—this is why he keeps asking Bella if she wants to be rich. The prospect of a new baby means that financial security could become particularly important to the newly married couple. Still, Bella continues to prove that she has put her greedy phase behind her, telling Rokesmith that her only regrets are personal ones, related to how she lost touch with Henerietty.
Themes
