Victorians! discussion

Published in March 1865
For discussion of these chapters

Well, I did get my wish and Mr Riah is back. How very kind of him to have helped Lizzie! I am not sure what connection Fledgeby has or wants to have to Lizzie, but I am glad that Mr Riah seems to have her best interests in mind. Glad as well that Mrs Lammele has persuaded Georgiana's parents underhandedly to break off any contact with the Lammeles. Mrs. L has come up greatly in my estimation.

....and now Riderhood has been found in the river. There are many drownings within the pages of this book as well as mention of the fog and one's inability to see clearly. How interesting an observation that no matter how irksome a being is, people will often try to bring that person back to life. Unfortunately, Riderhood,s return from the dead has not made any impact on his "charming" personality!

The anniversary celebration of the Wilfers' sounded like such fun! Poor Mr Wilfer, it never did say whether he was tall or not. Bella's four things to tell was a sweet way to have time and a confidence with her beloved father. Distressing though was the fact that she sees a change for the worse in Mr Boffin and attributes it to money and yet she herself has made money her mantra.

I had question from Chap 1 here --- what was Saint Mary Axe exactly? Was this an area of the city named that?

I also think it interesting that Fledgby made a point to quiz Riah about Lizzie. Do you think he is simply just looking for an angle when it comes to people he encounters?

From what I can gather St. Mary Axe is the name of a church in the heart of the medieval City of London. There is a street of the same name there as well.

I think you are right about that hound Fledgeby. He's getting the double "pleasure" of prying info out of Riah and being more in the know than others when the subject comes up again in society.

On St. Mary Axe, the Wikipedia article is helpful: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary_Axe

Thanks Bea and Tim. That is a good explanation from wikip -- and I knew there would be some history behind it -- and a good pronunciation!

Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard at the description of Bella cooking, with direction from Mrs. Wilfer, at the beginning of chapter 4.

I was glad Mr. Riah was back too.