A Happy Ending // Taylor Vice

             At the beginning of Bleak House, I was never quite a fan of Esther. She never put herself first, and she put her own happiness aside for the sake of others. Esther even planned to marry a man that she had no romantic interest in just because she felt obliged to. While that was quite common during the time, it was probably tough for her to see Richard and Ada in love at one point while she was stuck with being everyone's nanny basically. I am sure that Esther was seen as a noble character by a majority of readers, but it just never seemed real for a person to be as close to perfect as she was.

            When I was reading towards the end of Bleak House, I began to grow a soft spot for Esther. I felt as if I understood how difficult it actually was for her to do as much for everyone as she did. She raised Ada and Richard from the day she met them and was always kind to a stranger, doing any favor asked of her without hesitation. I was glad to see that she got to marry the man that she really wanted to be with, rather than Mr. Jarndyce. If anyone deserved a happy ending, it was definitely Esther. 



I commented on Abigale Bell's and Emily Otts's posts.A

Comments

  1. Emmett BryantNovember 15, 2021 at 8:22 PM

    Although I think we should prioritize our own happiness (but not at others' expense) Esther definitely showed amazing character. She was willing to help everyone around her even when it wasn't convenient or easy. That is something that a lot of people struggle to do now but I think people like Esther should inspire us to be selfless. // Emmett Bryant

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  2. Emily ThullesenNovember 15, 2021 at 10:18 PM

    I used to feel the same way about Esther. She almost seemed naïve and stuck up in a way, but in the end she showed to have true humility and truly want the best for others. Out of all the characters, I am glad that she had the happy ending she deserved.
    - Emily Thullesen

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  3. Emma Kate PattersonNovember 15, 2021 at 11:35 PM

    I like how you tried to understand the character. I defiantly agree that she deserved the happy ending she got. For so long she tried to please others and I am also glad that in the end she got what she wanted and deserved.

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