Bleak House Study Guide

1. Who is Mrs. Rachael?

• The eldest daughter of Mrs. Jellyby.
• Housekeeper in Esther's godmother's house
• A neighbor in the district of Greenleaf school.
• A slightly mad older woman in the Court of Chancery.

2. In what town is Esther raised?

• London
• Kent
• Windsor
• Winchester

3. What is the name of the law case, the "great matter", involving many of the main characters in Bleak House?

• Kenge & Carboy's
• Jarndyce, Jarndyce, & Jarndyce
• Jarndyce & Jarndyce
• Jarndyce vs. People

4. Where do Esther, Ada, and Richard stay overnight on the day of their first meeting?

• Kenge and Carboy's
• Mrs. Rachael's
• Lincoln's Inn
• Mrs. Jellyby's

5. What was Esther's occupation before she became the companion of Miss Ada Clare?

• Teacher at Greenleaf School
• Cook
• Amanuensis
• Housekeeper

6. Around what age is Esther at the very beginning of her narrative?

• 14
• 16
• 19
• 17-18

7. What does Dickens mean by the title of Chapter 4 "Telescopic Philanthropy"?

• An early form of astronomy practiced by Ada and Richard.
• The "in loco parentis" care of the Court of Chancery.
• Mrs. Jellyby's care only for things that are very far away.
• The distant benefaction of Mr. John Jarndyce.

8. What was one of Esther's most important personal desires?

• To study and learn as much as possible.
• To "win some love if I could"
• To someday become a lawyer in the Court of Chancery.
• To marry Mr. Guppy.

9. What is the eldest Miss Jellyby's enforced occupation in the beginning of the novel?

• Philanthropist
• Amanuensis
• Law clerk
• Housekeeper

10. What is the weather like when Esther first comes to London?

• Brilliant sunshine
• Dark and dirty fog
• Snowy
• Pouring rain