Bleak House, Research Prompt 1


  1. A London Fog by Thomas Miller
Is a detailed description of what the fog is like in London during winter. Residents of London are used to this occurrence and go about their day unaffected. As a visitor, you may be surprised as to how thick the fog is. It is interesting that the darkness and fog do not cause more accidents.
  1. Sanitation in a London Suburb by Hector Gavin

Describes a dump filled with garbage and manure, piled high. The fumes that are blown from the filth are deadly.

  1. How Cholera is Spread

Is about how cholera is spread through the contamination of water.
  1. Speech to the Metropolitan Sanitary Association by Charles Dickens

Dickens is describing how sanitary reform is of the utmost importance.

  1. Speech from the Throne on National Progress

Says, on behalf of the queen, to promote social improvements.

  1. Cross-Examination of a Witness at Inquest

Is about a boy, Ruby, who is questioned in court and admits he knows nothing. Because of his ignorance, the magistrate says he cannot be trusted as a witness. Regardless of the shame to know nothing, the boy does not lie.

  1. A Police-Conducted Tour of a Slum

Describes police in a very poor part of the city. In the church are many people, including children who are dirty and hungry. The landlord receives money from the police to buy everyone breakfast.

  1. Of the Horse Dung of the Streets of London

Talks about the terrible smell in the streets and how often may visitors complain of the horrible smell. The horse droppings plus the droppings of cattle, sheep, calves and pig are about 39,592lbs per year in the streets of London.

Bleak House is a direct correlation to the focus of this course as laid out in the syllabus. The novel itself seeks to show controversies over pollution, government and politics. The reading from the “Backgrounds” portion of the book are excerpts showing problems within each category stated above.




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