IN DEPTH BOOK REVIEW - BLEAK HOUSE by Charles Dickens

An in depth review of Bleak House by Charles Dickens. Bleak House is recognized as one of the greatest classic books of the 19th Century. But here is a question for you:
Is there a deeper sub-text. Is it possible that Charles Dickens, through the pages of Bleak House, was hinting at a disturbing, smouldering threat, brewing just beneath the surface of British society which could release murderous anarchy at any given moment?
Join me as I explore the hidden allegory that haunts Bleak House. Could it be that warnings from the French Revolution scent the meaning of a book which doesn't even use the word Revolution?
Make a coffee and sit back for this in depth book review of Bleak House, like no other.
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[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Have you ever read Bleak House by Charles Dickens? If so you may enjoy this in depth look at a surprising sub-text of meaning hidden in allegorical form betwixt the pages of this masterpiece. In the video I talk about the link between the French Revolution and the characters and events of Bleak House. Was Dickens worried about possible repeat of history approaching the shores of Britain? There were many other things that I could have spoken about pertaining to this thesis. For instance, the role of Krook, the pawn-broker, an almost symbolic alternative of the Chancery Court which is doomed to spontaneously combust. What are your thoughts? Can you find other connections between the goings-on of Bleak House and the threat of another bloody uprising of the masses? Comment below.

[@Fitness4London]

Awesome analysis, Tristan. Are you an English Literature university lecturer? You should be! I've just started reading Bleak House, enjoying the colourful cast of characters.

[@southernbiscuits1275]

Tristan, you are the best BookTube presenter I've come across. You speak of literature without ego. You talk about books with intelligence and passion. I am so glad I came across your videos through KZbin recommendations. You have spoken several times about Stendhal's The Red and the Black. I read that book right out of high school. Sadly, I was not aware of all the layers the book addressed. With your reviews, I am prepared to read several books this year that weren't on my radar. I've already read The Painted Veil as a result of one of your videos. My mom was a reader and a year or so before her passing she started reading several books by Dickens. One of those books was Bleak House. It would be fantastic if she were still around and I could engage her in conversation with the information you shared with us in this video. I was going to read The Old Curiosity Shop this year but I may place Bleak House in its place. Thank you so much for your time which you spend making these videos. Speaking for myself, I gain a great deal from your videos. You provide me with new ideas to explore and that's what reading is all about, isn't it? Keep well.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Oh I say, Southern Biscuits!! What a marvelously generous comment. So pleased you are a reader who likes to explore subtle and different perspectives. It makes a book so much more varied and edifying. You are the second person this week that has said that they read the Scarlet and Black at high school. I must confess, I find that book a pretty surprising choice for that age group. In some respects I would expect such a book to put a youth off reading for life!😄😅 It is brilliant, but it is slow. Mind you, if you have a great teacher, that would make a difference. Thank you once again for your support, positivity and generous encouragement.

[@selu1363]

Absolutely wonderful presentation. I'm amazed that this doesn't have more views!

[@davebonello1944]

(Melanie here) I've watched this video several times and it's fantastic. I am re-reading Bleak House and picking up interesting details. You're right - that is the beauty of classical literature. Thank you, Tristan.

[@kennethstebrt9615]

What a book Bleak House is. A fantastic gallery of characters and all fit perfectly in the story. Layers and layers of wisdom materialize... God Dickens was a genius! Thank you for the insight Tristan!

[@jeffsmith3221]

I recently finished reading Bleak House and, after watching some other reviews/analysis, thought I had a pretty good comprehension of this novel. But the allusion to the French revolution went totally over my head. I figured that the painting on the ceiling in Tulkinghorn's office was obviously significant, but I didn't get the black/red wax significance, nor did I see the importance of Hortense (the only French character) killing lawyer Tulkinghorn. Tristan, watching your analysis of Bleak House REALLY added to my understanding and enjoyment of this novel. Was this completely your recognition? If so, I salute you! Dickens remains as my favorite and most respected author of all time, and this just solidified that sentiment even more! Always look forward to your videos Tristan, keep up the great work! Jeff S.

[@P.EnglishLiterature]

Hi, Tristan. New sub here, and it's a pleasure to discover your channel. I must say that I'm fascinated with your techniques of presentation and review. You sound so literary, intelligent, and fantastic. There is much to what I could say, this is absolutely beyond description. I'm stunned.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hi there! Thank you so much for your generous words. I've had a look at your KZbin channel too and it is great. I love your focus and how you interview authors. Keep up the excellent work.

[@P.EnglishLiterature]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Thank you so much, Tristan. ❤️😊

[@user-yd8gx4rp5n]

I will get my copy of Bleak House today. I cannot wait to start reading. Thank you so much for this review. Absolutely brilliant and insightful.

[@SinisaPopovic33]

A very inspiring video. Thank you Tristan. I've read Stendhal's Red and Black back in high school but that was so long ago. I want to reread it this year. I haven't read any Dickens beside Christmas Carroll. I have Great Expectations sitting in my bookshelf but maybe I will get the Bleak House now when I heard your review. Thanks again!

[@kidmarine7329]

Just a brilliant summary. I wish I had your critical reading skills. I’m on my second round of reading all Dickens major novels and just finished rereading BH. On to Our Mutual Friend.

[@judemorales4U]

Wonderful review. Academic, insightful and inspiring.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

So pleased that you enjoyed it ☺️

[@giovannamoruzzi3734]

So inspiring, tristan could inspire me to read the phone directory, he's that good!

[@kimberly5411]

So glad you expounded on Bleak House. It is my favorite Dickens book. Hope it will intrigue others to read it as well.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hi Kimberly. It really is an outstanding work isnt it! 😀

[@sarawilson9155]

Only just found this. A whole new way to read one of my favourite books, read and listened to so often. Thank you.

[@calebgodard4554]

Finished Bleak House yesterday and this is a wonderful review, thank you!

[@Ozgipsy]

I really enjoy your stuff Tristan. Thanks a heap.

[@Lisapizza789]

Tristan, this is so good. Thank you.

[@carolynl4369]

Hi 👋🏻 New subscriber to your channel here. I started Bleak House yesterday and I’m loving it so much 📚

[@adrienne4028]

Excellent review! I know the story but never saw all the things you pointed (pun intended) out about the allegory behind it. Dickens was brilliant!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Ooo I do love a good pun.😅 You are right, Dickens was a genius.

[@vincentperratore4395]

I had listened to your critique of Dickens's "Bleak House", indeed with all the waxing interest and literary zeal of an avid reader, having already experienced the pleasure of its bittersweet and hidden depths, of which the book at times continues along its inspired abstruse and irregular course. Indeed, a roman a' clef!

[@davidsoto4394]

Excellent video.

[@judykovach6912]

Interesting on the revolution in book. Thx😁

[@maritzahiguera7586]

So I just finished Bleak House. Wow loved it. Also your summary of it. It did help with the understanding of the novel. Love your videos. I do have Oliver Twist in my library and wonder if this should be the next read. I also have in waiting tale of two cities and Anna Karenina. What direction do you recommend?

[@johnjabez6300]

Sir , just amazing!

[@iainholmes2735]

Enjoyed your vid. I loved the BBC TV adaptation. Great analysis about incipient revolution. What a story. Its a cautionary tale: be very careful about going to law hastily. Cheers.

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I'm a new subscriber to your channel, Tristan, and this second video of yours I watched. I previously watched 3 Tips for Reading classics and it really inspired me. I had read Bleak House and finished last year, but I feel I need to reread it. I had enjoyed it, but I feel like I didn't really take in the whole story. Obviously it's not a hard to read Dickens, but some concepts go over my head. I need to work on using some of your tips for reading classics, because I'm am educated I just seem not to notice things. I admit I get caught in just trying to read it and just get the basic story read. I am just starting to learn to commit to 500+, and knowing it will take me a while to read makes me afraid to commit. I'm just trying to get through them and I think I rush it. It's something I been trying to work on. Hearing your in-depth discussion makes me want to reread Bleak House now.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

High Jackie. Great to meet you. I totally relate to the reading issues. I often find myself racing through a book. Then I have to slow myself down. That's when I grab a pen and deliberately take notes.

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I have stuck to the note taking method the last few days, I was out of town visiting family and it's a bit of a challenge to write in the margins and highlight/underline while traveling. I had to use a pencil so I could erase if my underlining went a little crazy.

[@sandras8371]

Are the fonts of this Wordsworth's book small? I bought the The Count of Monte Cristo and the fonts are very small compares to other Wordsworth Classic edition. Thank you, as usual great review.

[@cardenioscouse6238]

Excellent thank you

[@user-ih2fl1eo5m]

I'm just see this fantastic video, and I'm wondering now which book to read first, Bleak House or A Tale of Two Cities. I'm going to read them both, but which one do you recommend I read first?

[@TV-fu1ec]

So good. I read this years ago.

[@merccadoosis8847]

Thank you for this very illuminating presentation. You brought out subtle nuances that I had overlooked. In fact, now I know why Stendhal had been on my mind these past few weeks. Indeed, I had been thinking that the French Revolution of 1848 was lurking in some way behind the scenes of *Bleak House* . The book should be read by everyone because of the morality it imparts. It is reminiscent of the Bible's book of Amos. Previously I mentioned the fog (symbol of injustice and inequity) as the occlusion that leads to destruction. The book of Amos tells us that a society that abuses the poor through economic exploitation and injustice is one doomed to destruction: war, weather disaster, famine, "thy palaces shall be destroyed" (Amos 4:12), " PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD". This isn't socialism. This is the very Bible so many people claim to live by. Thus, Dickens's writing is like a modern day Bible with its allegories, moral lessons such as family values, solicitude for the poor, and its condemnation of evils and injustices. Thank you again for your wonderful writing. May many others be stimulated to read this highly inspiring book.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Great that you sensed the French Revolutionary vibe. The Amos reference is an interesting one. His denouncement being towards Assyria, the city of bloodshed and the world power of the day, is interesting. They too felt invulnerable in their might, yet trouble was coming.

[@daneades8983]

Very interesting thesis. I am currently reading Bleak House for a substantial number of times. Dickens is one of my favorite, perhaps even my favorite, writer. I was interested in your thesis, the notion that Dickens was preoccupied with the perils of the French Revolution and did not want to see history repeat itself in England. I suspect he was also concerned that the rise of a new industrial class symbolized by the son of Mrs. Rouncewell, the Ironmaster, and his son Watt, seemingly named after James Watt the engineer, but also conveniently Wat Tyler, the leader of the peasant's revolt. The lawyer class is pretty well decimated by Chancery and Tulkinghorn, but the nouveau riche of industry seems to be the real emergent power in the world of Bleak House. I suspect that Dickens does not want a political or a social revolution. What he wants is a revolution of consciousness. A society where every one is blessed as if by god. Where everyone is treated humanely and fairly. Where there are no rich and, more especially, no poor. A world where Harold Skimpole's self absorption is perhaps the greatest evil. The first eight titles Dickens considered for Bleak House were variations on Tom-All-Alone's. And Tom-All-Alone remains the moral, or perhaps immoral, center of Bleak House. Jo is the embodiment of Tom-All-Alone. This time reading Bleak House, surely the title refers to England (Great Britain), I could not help but notice that the characters who play an active part for good in the novel assemble in Mr. George's shooting gallery to commemorate the death of Jo. Their recognition of the tragedy of Jo's life and death is the beginning of a collective transformation of a society. And so is Inspector Bucket's realization that he needs Esther Summerson to help him find Lady Dedlock. The police need to act with a moral sense in order to obtain a just society. What is the basis of this moral sense? One suspects that it is what is necessary to end a plague. Dr. Rieux's answer near the conclusion of Camus's The Plague is "common decency." A careful reader might well be led to believe that Dickens anticipated Camus declaration in the symbol of Tom-All-Alone and its figuration in the person of Jo. All that is necessary for a transformation of society is common decency, the decency the moral characters of Bleak House show at Jo's death. And the decency awakened in the hearts of Dickens's readers when they read about Jo's death.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

What a phenomenal comment, Dan!!! You are right about the emerging Industrial class. It was something that Dickens seemed to meet with a mixture of feelings. He wanted all to bee able to raise their station, but he also could perceive the threat of abuses, greed and the destruction of more noble ideals. There's a whole video could be made of what you observed, Dan. Great job.

[@nedmerrill5705]

Who killed Mr. Tulkinghorn? This is not clearly answered in the book. I don't think it was Lady Dedlock. Maybe Hortense, with the figure of Lady Dedlock and a hot temper? Maybe Mrs. Snagsby?

[@phoebear2233]

It was Hortense

[@dianesellepedrosa1876]

I find this a fascinating take on Bleak House. A Tale Of Two Cities was published four years after BH. Coincidence?

[@rebeccamacleanmezzo-sopran7903]

A very interesting take on the novel and one I had never thought of. I have read Bleak House 5 or 6 times. At some point (is this a "female" thing?) I saw that the kernel of the story was really the operatic scale tragedy of Lady Dedlock and her daughter (trying to avoid spoilers as much as possible). I saw Lady Dedlock as a great tragic heroine (of which there really aren't any in Dickens; Edith Dombey is maybe a distant second). Sort of La Traviata grown middle aged and depressed. Then I realized that that story could be excerpted from the novel and would still provide a good read (included of course would be Sir Leicester, Mr. Tulkinghorn - Baron Scarpia anyone?? - Mr. Guppy, and Jo and maybe a few others). Currently I am working on a modern day version of *that story* and have published a sketch. But yes, Allegory. I had totally forgotten about him!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

AMAZING comment. Thank you for this, Rebecca! There is plenty of enjoyable thinking to be had, considering this take on things. "La Traviata grown middle aged and depressed." That's not a sentence one is likely to hear very often in casual conversation 😅 Love it!

[@susprime7018]

Yes, I have read it and kept a copy on my office bookshelf next to Black's Law Dictionary, retired and gave the old Black's to a young colleague and took Bleak House with me.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

You made the right choice😅👍

[@louisehickey413]

I loved your Intro!! 🤩

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

@@louisehickey413 Thank you Louise 😊

[@grahambradd3839]

Esther Summerson and everything pertaining to her in a physical and psychological context is the core of this novel..regardless of plots and subplots and greater or lesser movements of state ,society,institutions etc. even the possible influence of revolutions are ultimately insignificant in relation to her movement through life and her impact upon those she encounters..Compassion i suppose will (perhaps) ultimately reign supreme x

[@mitzireadsandwrites]

I'm not watching this video, Tristan! 😂Well, not right now anyway. Someone gave me a beautiful copy of Bleak House recently so I plan to read it soon. After that, I'll return and watch- saving for later.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Oh I hope you like it Mitzi! There are many different ways to look at this book. I'll be interested in your thoughts.

[@davidsoto4394]

Please do a video exactly like this one for Oliver twist.

[@merccadoosis8847]

Hi Tristan I got a couple of what may seem like dumb questions to some folks and ask in advance for your patience as they may not seem to make much sense. Inspector Bucket = it is said by some critics that he was fictions first detective and that he inspired the detective genre. I find that a bit hard to believe as "Bleak House" was published in 1852 while EA Poe's "Murders In the Rue Morgue" was published 11 years earlier. Roe created detective Dupin who, to me, was an even more clever investigator. Both likely had a role in inspiring the creation of inspector Javert of "Les Miserables" but I do not know for certain. Is Bucket deserving as much kudos as he has gotten over the years? I believe he led Jo to his death and Lady Dedlock to her death. Honestly now, wasn't there a better way for him to solve the existing problems? (I am reminded of American fictional detective rotund Nero Wolfe - that while he solved many seemingly impossible to solve cases, sad to say, his tactics led to the death of several characters.) What do you say about Bucket and the possibility that these seeming shortcomings detract from his character?

[@xaviercrain7336]

Your thesis is brilliant but also needs Martin Chizzlewitt alongside Stendhal and take of two cities

[@TV-fu1ec]

The like button is not working for me. I tried to press it many times and none registered. Frustrating. I read this quite a while ago, but enjoyed it very much. I have read many Dickens novels and short stories over the years. Unfortunately some run together in my memory. But this talk is revivifying the memory. This is full of great insight s. The French revolution worry I can very much see. Just remembering a tale of two cities, you can absolutely see Dickens worry on the topic.

[@madiantin]

This is brilliant! I hadn't noticed the allegory thing. Sir Leicester Deadlock was constantly complaining of and worrying about the masses rising. It's an interesting point that he was worried about his house being destroyed because of a revolution. The French Revolution was led by lawyers. Tulkinghorn was a lawyer. He destroyed Sir Leicester Deadlock's house, pride, heart, happiness, and health. I also find Bleak House really irritating in its inability to step past the culture of the day. Of *course* Lady Deadlock had to die. Someone who had committed adultery and had a child out of wedlock, while someone deserving of sympathy, was clearly not someone Dickens felt deserving of a happy or fulfilling life, or who was worthy of redemption. Dickens himself, while pretending to be this champion of the downtrodden, was just as judgmental and harsh. It was clear he had written himself into John Jarndyce - and some of the crap he does and says had me raging. The paternalism! I remember reading for the first time and being utterly confused as to why Esther got the keys to the house and was required to work as housekeeper when Ada didn't. Dickens was mired in class structure. For him writing it, Jarndyce was being kind and showing trust in Esther, and apparently she should be pleased with that. But he saw her as a *servant*, not a person. And don't get me started on him saying he first thought about marrying Esther when she was...what? 14? 15 years old? And he was somewhere in his 40s at the time, right? Made my skin crawl. Anyway, despite all the irritants, Bleak House is one of my most favourite books. Your review and thoughts were excellent and engaging.

[@charmainesaliba5546]

I saved this video to watch later after I'll read the novel. 😊

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Brilliant. I hope you enjoy it.

[@davidsoto4394]

Please do a video exactly like this one with Oliver Twist.

[@Cantbuyathrill]

"Miasma of Pestilence" Dickens definitely rules!!!

[@xaviercrain7336]

Carstone is being pushed down by his own haste not by the social grind

[@davidsoto4394]

Please do a video like this one on Oliver Twist.

[@xaviercrain7336]

And I think your thesis could do with the dialectic between Marx’s Manifesto and The work on Louis Napoleon

[@mohammadhajkhalil1981]

Hi! Maybe you have a point regarding the connection of novel to French revolution. but its significance as in most of Dicken’s is the human and social portrayal that is evident in my opinion is the light it sheds on poor Joe, the lost youth and false hopes in Richard, Mr. Krook symbolic consumption among the court’s documents and the narcesstic “deportment” father who is a burden on his son.

[@Cantbuyathrill]

Im Solde on Tristan!!!!

[@xaviercrain7336]

But Hortense is a tricky character…she hated the way lady deadlock treated her and wanted to get something from talkinghorne and he was using her…pushed too far and she did kill him But the poor need to be a collective not a single force

[@edc3743]

Thanks, Tristan. Now give us some thoughts about the BBC 2006 production, excellent as it is, but totally sold out to the Establishment and their dog, the BBC.

[@xaviercrain7336]

Let us be careful about the missionary missions because they are bitterly attacked by both the poor and by the rich

[@Cantbuyathrill]

5;29 ".......tenDer-hooks" Really??????

[@boristimanovsky8175]

Clearly the speaker wants The Bleak House to be about the French Revolution, since he'd rather talk about that and not what's actually in the book. Wouldn't that be more appropriate in the context of The Tale of Two Cities? It's not like there aren't interesting themes that *are* actually in The Bleak House. A very strange choice of a topic for this video.

[@davidsoto4394]

excellent video.