Victorians! discussion

Published in May 1865
For discussion of these chapters

Poor Mrs Higden running away to the country at the first sign of her illness. She was so terrified of landing in the workhouse. I wonder why she did not rely on her friends and on Sloppy. Surely, they would have helped her.

Her funeral brought together Bella and Lizzie. They will be good for one another never really having had a true friend before. It was rather chilling Lizzie's relating Headstone's behavior to Bella. I know she won't, but wish she would tell John. Lizzie as confessed her love for Eugene and thinks herself to be unworthy. She has also forgiven her brother. How interesting that in Lizzie, Bella sees all her own faults!

She was "running away" from Sloppy, whom she feared would not leave to get training while she was still in the house. She also seems to have objected to any kind of charity, even from the Boffins.

The meeting with Lizzie is a major turning point for Bella, I think.

Yes, Betty Higdon refused to consider herself in need of charity. I suppose though, she may have looked at the offer to adopt little John and then Sloppy as the only help she could possibly consider. I like that Dickens relates these stories of people dedicated to working, even though it was not easy -- Betty taking in the laundry -- I can just imagine that mangle running continuously. And I think of Jenny who keeps up her work even with her handicap and her bad home situation. They were people with an instinct of survival.

To "live on charity" can be really hard for someone; I can understand her, even if I don't know if we'd be able to make such a choice!

I think Betty saw giving Johnny and Sloppy opportunities in life was not accepting charity but rather giving it.