Bleak House Summary

Esther Summerson recounts her early years and announces her departure to the residence of her new guardian, Mr. Jarndyce. Accompanying her are Ada Clare and Richard Carstone, and together they journey to their new home, making an overnight stop at the disorderly abode of the Jellybys. Upon arrival, they meet their new guardian and Mr. Skimpole, a man with a childlike demeanor. Meanwhile, a spectral figure haunts Chesney Wold, the estate of Sir and Lady Leicester Dedlock. In her new life, Esther encounters various characters like the domineering philanthropist Mrs. Pardiggle and an impoverished brickmaker's wife called Jenny. Over time she observes a growing romantic bond between Ada and Richard and declines a marriage proposal from Mr. Guppy. At Chesney Wold, Lady Dedlock recognizes a familiar handwriting on some documents. Mr. Tulkinghorn, the family's lawyer, resolves to find the scribe and discovers a man named Nemo, who has since passed away. Their interaction is observed by a street urchin named Jo.

Richard's professional ambitions vacillate before he finally chooses to enter the medical field. However, he is more enamored by the potentially lucrative Jarndyce lawsuit, the original reason for which is not fully disclosed by anyone. In London, Esther meets a young girl named Charlotte, who is caring for her siblings with the assistance of their neighbor, Mr. Gridley. Esther learns of her own history from Mr. Jarndyce, who reveals that the woman who raised her was actually her aunt. Richard begins to work in law, while Esther and Ada visit Mr. Boythorn near Chesney Wold. There, Esther meets Lady Dedlock and feels an inexplicable connection to her. A sinister figure named Mr. Jobling takes up residence in Nemo's former room, and Mr. Tulkinghorn uncovers a woman's secret visit to Nemo's grave under the disguise of Lady Dedlock's maid's attire.

Esther's health deteriorates and during her recovery, she discovers her face is disfigured from smallpox. Lady Dedlock admits to being Esther's mother during a surprise visit. Richard becomes increasingly consumed by the lawsuit, severing communication with Mr. Jarndyce. The climax ensues when Mr. Tulkinghorn is murdered and George, a local shooting gallery owner, is wrongfully arrested for the crime. Ada confesses to Esther about her secret marriage to Richard. In the ensuing investigation, it is discovered that Lady Dedlock had been framed for the murder by her maid Mademoiselle Hortense. However, Lady Dedlock is overwhelmed by her circumstances and dies. The Jarndyce lawsuit is eventually dismissed when the inheritance is entirely depleted on legal fees, resulting in Richard's death. Esther and Woodcourt marry and lead a blissful life with their two daughters, while Ada gives birth to a son.