867-5309 /// Emma Landry

    Jenny is back: In Chapter 22, the brickmaker's wife makes her return. In their search for the downtrodden Jo, Mr. Bucket and Mr. Snagsby encounter Jenny and her friend, who is now revealed as Liz. What follows is a scene that starkly contrasts Mrs. Pardiggle's previous trip to this abode. Now that some time has passed since the tragic loss of Jenny's baby, the poverty-ridden friends can be further characterized since the distressing moment of loss has passed. Though Snagsby and Bucket are not as compassionate as Ada was in her previous encounter with the women (Bucket speaks to Liz "sternly"), it is significant that they ask questions and listen attentively to the answers. They do not attempt to condescendingly instruct or overlord in the conversation, instead bestowing at least some level of dignity by allowing the women to fully express their minds. While Bucket does have a somewhat judgmental attitude about Liz's comments ("Why, you ain't such an unnatural woman, I hope, as to wish your own child dead?"), he at least affords her the opportunity to speak freely, humanizing her more than Mrs. Pardiggle ever did (XXII.279.39-40).

    Liz and Jenny provide insight into their difficult lives through some statements that might appear to be extreme. "Much better to think of dead than alive, Jenny! Much better!" Liz says in lines 37-38 of page 279. However, she implores the men to look around them and to observe the conditions in which they are standing. Sadly, it seems that she has little hope for children growing up in that environment. The extent of miserable poverty in which the women reside is highlighted by the comfort they seem to take in the previous death of the child, knowing the inevitability of lowly life conditions for those born into such a place. Though not wishing any ill will on the children that each of them bring into the world, they ultimately do not think it would be terrible if children avoid suffering by untimely death. Additionally, Jenny's affection for her friend's child is poignant. Though she has lost her own offspring, she recognizes the value of a human life and cherishes the infant that she sees as a surrogate child. It is beautiful to see how Jenny uses her motherly nature to positively respond to her grief. Jenny pours all her love onto her child's friend who graciously allows her to assist in caring for the baby, simultaneously helping in her own healing and taking some of the load off of the abused Liz's shoulders. This is a bittersweet moment that showcases friendship and coping with a difficult hand that life can sometimes deal.

I commented on Emily Otts's and Breanna Poole's posts.