Barbara do you see Tulkinghorn as one of the "caged"? I've been looking at the "caged" in terms of Miss Flite's birds. They are constantly threatened by Krook's cat, Lady Jane, who lurks at the door, waiting for the right moment to slip in and take advantage. They aren't the first birds we've seen in the story, nor is Krook's the first cat. I'm looking at cats as predators on the meek and helpless. Those in cages - as Barb describes are vulnerable to the designs of those who plot against them.
Wasn't Hortense described as a cat? - Somewhere I wrote a list of the adjectives used to describe her. And there's Smallweed, "clawing and scratching" whenever he faces opposition. I hope I never see that character again.
Esther is free from the bars of a cage - both physically and psychologically. I don't see her desire to care for others as confining,
Barbara. I find her quite content in her own skin - constantly surprised that she is taken seriously, feeling more and more freedom to speak her mind.
It's Ada that is confined - and helpless. Caged. What does she do all day? Why does she get up in the morning?
What is her raison d'etre?
Pedln, I share your hope that she will find someone else - but don't see that happening in the small space that is her life. And yet the poor thing tells Richard she'll be faithful at home waiting his return - but did I hear her tell him she'd understand if he found someone else.
Richard didn't take his Guardian's decision very badly at all. Hardly gave it more than a passing thought.
Esther tells us -
"he remembered her by fits and starts, even with bursts of tears...but in a few minutes he would recklessly conjure up some undefinable means, by which they were both made to be made rich and happy for ever, and would become as gay as ever."
It occurred to me that the "terror" on Jarndyce's face when Richard expressed confidence in a positive outcome of the case - - that perhaps Jarndyce knows something more - and knows that Richard will
not benefit from the outcome if it is ever decided. But that's in another little box on Dickens' table, isn't it
Jude?
"wale" - yes, I see "veil" now - I forgot it was Jo talking and he'd pronounce it like that, I'll bet.
Pedln glad you have caught up. We've missed you..
I agree, it was a bit too much to learn that Mrs. Chadband is one and the same as Esther’s godmother’s housekeeper, Rachael. Clever of Dickens to insert her into the parlor with Jo, who has seen "the lady" - and with Guppy, who jumps at the news that Mrs. Chadband cared for Esther Summerson when a baby. ...Yes, I wonder too what information Mrs. Chadband is going to reveal - when Dickens is ready to take her out of one of his boxes...
I hope
Sally listens to you when you say the posts helped to connect everything. Sally, as you read, go back to the posts that address the chapter you are on - I think you'll be surprised how much this helps you to understand - and catch up.
