Sunshine and Rainbows -- Abigale Bell

 Charles Dickens is, and will remain, one of my favorite authors. He is a master of creating unique characters and complex storylines that draw the reader in. Bleak House is a perfect example of Dickens' creativity. So far in reading, my favorite character is Mr. Harold Skimpole. He is, to me, the most interesting person at Bleak House living under the care of Mr. Jarndyce. 

Dickens first introduces Mr. Skimpole through the words of Mr. Jarndyce. "There's no one here but the finest creature upon the earth--a child," says Mr. Jarndyce (Dickens, 82). The very first impression we have of Mr. Skimpole is that of a child. Such language is used throughout chapter 6 in reference to his person, and even comes form the mouth of Skimpole himself. I find the fact that Jarndyce and Skimpole speak of such innocence or naiveté as if it is a quality to be proud of. They almost rejoice in the fact that Skimpole is a child and treated as such. As I read this passage, I considered what it would be like for a person with this attitude today.

Outside the story looking in, I see Mr. Skimpole bumming off his friend, taking advantage of extreme hospitality, enticing children to pay his debt, allowing children to pay his debt, and otherwise living irresponsibly. He seems to have no concept of the consequences of his actions. In fact, he sees things in what I consider, an upside-down way. To him, allowing Esther and Richard to pay his way out of debtors prison was a kindness to them instead. To me, this way of living seems completely selfish. Mr. Skimpole seems to have the ability to reason and to make decisions for himself, yet he chooses not to. All the while, the rest of the house simply accepts this way of living and humors him. 

Again, from my perspective, it is almost frustrating to see such neglect and seemingly thoughtless behavior. Yet in a way, I can't help but be jealous of such a carefree existence. Mr. Skimpole see the world in a completely different way, as do the rest of the characters who indulge him. He is such a happy character, even in his strange, childlike behavior. Who's to say a little lightheartedness is so bad? As Mr. Skimpole says, "...I may have come into the world expressly for the purpose of increasing your stock of happiness...Why should I reset my incapacity for details and worldly affairs when it leads to such pleasant consequences? I don't regret it therefore" (86). 

Commented on Emmett's and Raygan's posts.