Montreal Dickens Fellowship Study Questions: “Our Mutual Friend"
November 4, 2025
Chapters 1-7
- How does Dickens immediately “hook” us into his story at the very onset? What makes his description of the river so effective?
- Compare and contrast life on the river and life in high society. What is the role of the scavenger in both?
- The Analytical Chemist is said to truly reflect the critical and scornful eye of the Victorian domestic servant. Comment on Dickens use of this character in his satirical look at the Victorian dinner party.
- There are many recurring themes and symbols in this book that are introduced in these chapters. It is interesting to follow them and discuss them as they arise. Some of these include: a.) father and daughter relationships b.) fairy tales c.) bird analogies d.) death and decomposition as a constant presence e.) education and literacy f.) money vs. morality g.) greed h.) poverty, the Poor Laws and the workhouse ......etc
- “Our Mutual Friend” is a mystery novel. How does Dickens build up the suspense and keep us guessing?
- Select the humorous passages and characters that offset the book’s darkness.