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to us (Ch 2, 56) not only that she is childless, but also that she has
been put quite out of temper by seeing 'a child, chased by a woman,
running out into the rain to meet the shining figure of a wrapped-up
man'. Later on we again see her 'bored to death' and 'almost hat ing
her own maid for being in spirits' while she has been watching the
people 'playing with children' (Ch 12, 204). All this, however, is caused
by her feelings towards what has happened to her child and first lover;
and all her actions upon hearing that her child lives are induced by
a great love for the child. She is ruled by her conscience after the
initial irresponsibility towards her child (not providing it a home
and a family)
In most of her actions Lady Dedlock acts in the best way she can, as
we saw. She does not keep her real relationship to Esther a secret to
save her own position but to save Esther's; the letter she has written,
describing the situation, has to be destroyed 'not so much for her
(Lady Dedlock's) sake, since she asked nothing, as for her husband's
and my (Esther's) own'. Her further conduct proves this abundantly;
she does not care for herself but is anxious even to save Rosa, her
maid. By redeeming in this way her original sin (ultimately in dying
on the steps of her lover's burial place) she is a fit introduction
to my next section: parents who love their children and accept
responsibility. As with Lady Dedlocks we meet some people here who
were classified as irresponsible parents as well. Few relationships
remain untained in a society loke that of BLEAK HOUSE and some that
look like being good appear at least ambiguous on closer examination.
Mrs Rachael, the widow mother who is so proud of her daughter because
she 'came to see her once a fortnight' (Ch 3, 66) and who remains an
example of goodness to Esther to the end too good to feel any
emotion at parting' as Dickens makes Esther say with shattering
dramatic irony, Ch 3, 69) does not even consider looking after
Esther after her aunt's death ('0 dear no! Ch 3, 68). Mr Jellyby
has been mentioned already a very fond parent, but utterly unable to
make his children benefit from his fondness.
Vholes has three daughters and his 'desire is so to discharge the
duties of life as to leave them a good name' (Ch 37, 590); but only