Montreal Dickens Fellowship Study Questions: “Our Mutual Friend"
June 2, 2026
Book IV Chapters 7-116
- Does the tension between the two villains Riderhood and Headstone grab you? Why? What do you think of Jenny’s “revenge “ on Fledgeby?
- Comment on Mr. Riah’s speech on the “Jewish” situation in Victorian society.
- Mr. Dolls’ death brings out more of Jenny’s character. Compare her relationship with her father with the other father-daughter relationships in the book. Do any of these reflect Dickens’ relationships with his own daughters?
- The women in this novel are stronger and more independent than in his earlier novels. Comment.
- How has Eugene’s near death experience changed him?
- When Bradley hears Eugene is alive, he has a fit. Does he have some form of epilepsy? Do you feel sorry for him?
- How does Dickens build suspense when John comes face to face with Lightwood? Are you surprised when Bella is brought to the Boffin home by her husband?
- Do you find John’s revelation surprising? Did you suspect the truth?
- Is Mr. Boffin a good actor? Is it believable that he could pull off his ruse?
- Does Mr. Wegg get what he deserves?
- Comment on the symmetry in the fates of Riderhood and Headstone.
- Throughout the novel, Mrs. Wilfer and Lavinia are a source of humor. How does Dickens part with them?
- Is there a happy ending for Jenny Wren? Mortimer Lightwood? Mr. Twemlow?
- Comment on the postscript in which Dickens “apologizes” for making his mystery so transparent and blames it on the use of serialization and his not wanting to keep his audience dangling for so long.
- Discuss Dickens view of the Poor Laws.
- Did you enjoy the book? What did you especially like or dislike? Are you tempted to read another?