In the book BLEAK HOUSE **SPOILERS**

[raccoon]

Why did Dickens write that Esther got smallpox? She was already suffering from the stigma of illegitimacy. What was Dickens' purpose? :shrug:

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. I think the title says it all. nt

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. It was also a plot device to prove who really loved her

even though she was scarred.

:-)

[JitterbugPerfume]

3. In Dickens time disease was rampant

an urchin in the streets could sneeze , and ultimately infect the Queen. We think of ourselves as a unit but we breathe in , eat and touch things that can cause life changing events and it changes us in fundamental ways .

As Lydia said, it forms a new "family " because your family ultimately are those who truly love you.

Another way to look at it is , if you get something like small pox from someone what is your true relationship to that person? Does sickness and disease form a kind of family? It is a harsh family to be sure but a relationship none the less.


I love Dickens . His writing is rich beyond belief .The more you think about it , the better it gets!

[DemoTex]

4. I know a "Bleak House" expert.

He owns a grill on Augusta Road in Greenville. He knows "Bleak House" in and out! Find the grill. Ask for Buddy.

[JitterbugPerfume]

5. it would be wonderful

to sit with him with a full pot of coffee and talk the night away