The Bachelorette /// Bug Olsen

 

          Throughout these chapters of Bleak House, the way in which Dickens presents the love interests for Esther is very interesting and unique. Esther has previously shown interest in Dr. Allan Woodcourt, but we see very little of him as he is on a voyage for much of the novel up until this point. However, he reenters the scene in chapter 45, which creates suspense for readers, as Esther has just become engaged to John Jarndyce in chapter 44. This was extremely interesting, as there had been little to no hints of romantic interests between the two. While both are very noble and good men, readers are left wondering which she will choose. Although she is officially engaged to Jarndyce, she could easily call off the engagement and reunite with Woodcourt.

            Throughout chapter 45, Dickens emphasizes Woodcourt’s goodness, creating even more tension through indirect characterization. Here we get a first-hand look at Woodcourt’s kindness and medical abilities, and he subtly threatens Jenny’s husband after finding out he abuses her. His positive traits, such as his care for Jenny and respect for both women and the poor, make him a wonderful option for Esther. He has also established the fact that he does not care about her scarred face, and there is already an established history and love interest between the two. Jarndyce is a very noble man as well, but he is admittedly older than Esther and there is no real, love-based connection between the two.

            The way Dickens characterizes his characterizes is incredible, and his indirect characterization of Woodcourt in chapter 46 exemplify this fact. Lines 19-22 of page 554 are especially well done, as they show how he specifically cares for the poor and treats them like people, not as something inhuman or below him. This makes him a very likeable figure, and I personally would like to see Esther marry him rather than Jarndyce.

I will comment on Abigale Bell's and Brooke Bradley's posts. 

Comments

  1. Ashlyn ScismNovember 9, 2021 at 10:45 AM

    I love how you were able to describe this conflict. I have grown Esther fond of Esther as the story developed. When Esther realized she had retained scars from her illness she thought she was ruined. To her the beauty she might have possessed was now irrevocably marred. For this reason she did not want to be with Woodcourt. She believed that she would only tie him down and that he deserved so much more than she could offer. That scene broke my heart, the fact the she thought her only worth was tied to her beauty is tragic. Personally, I agree with you, I would love to see Esther end up with Woodcourt.

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