1. About fog.
- 15 -
M.J.H. Eggermont-Molenaar
Dickens on the police 1839 - 1849
Mr Bucket's occupation defogged
More than a hundred years ago, there was fog in London. A heavy fog. So heavy that
nothing could prevent it from seeping through the seams of the houses and the gates of
the burial grounds nor through the relations of the people who lived in those houses or
who were buried in those graveyards. The fog is an aura that shrouds the lives of the
key players in Bleak Houseas a mystery that needs to be solved.
When we read Bleak House, written by Charles Dickens and published in 1852, we
see several people trying to chase away the 'fog'.
One moment of curiosity by the haughty Lady Dedlock sets Tulkinghorn, the lawyer,
on the fog's trail. He finds a dead man on this trail so then it is the Coroner who makes
pursuit. But because the only witness, Jo the Crosswalk sweeper, does not even know what
a home is, this official considers Jo's eventual evidence out of the question.
Dickens sighs, "Come night, come darkness." But the mysteries remain to be solved-
Why should Esther never have been born? -- Who is that lady in disguise? Why does she
peep through the gates of the graveyard for the poor? The characters persist in their chase.
Soon we find Tulkinghorn to be assisted by a man whom Tulkinghorn introduces to the
law-stationer Mr Snagsby, as Mr Bucket, the detective. Tulkinghorn wants Snagsby to lead
Bucket to the place where Jo lives, or better said, can be found. This seems to imply that
Tulkinghorn is at that moment Bucket's employer.
Tulkinghorn is shot to death, so another mystery comes into play, another cloud
of fog which has to be cleared.
It is now Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet, who takes the initiative to clear up the
mist. He tries to find the killer of his old friend and lawyer. In his turn, Sir Leicester
calls in the help of Bucket. From his own words we can gather that the Baronet is Bucket's
employer.
If I have not in the most emphatic manner, adjured you, officer,
to exercise your utmost skill in this atrocious case, I particularly desire
to take the present opportunity of rectifying any omission I may have
made. Let no expense be a consideration. I am prepared to defray all
charges.
So, when Sir Leicester is Bucket's employer, it makes us wonder how he can make
the following remarks to his niece Volumnia when she asks Bucket a few things.
The officer is faithful to his duty he is the best judge
of his own responsible :yand it does not become to us, who
assist in making the laws, to impede or interfere with those who carry
them into execution.
