Bleak House Lesson Plan

Why does Esther encounter Dr. Woodcourt? How does she feel about seeing him? How does he respond to her?

Esther goes to Deal, a port town where Richard is stationed with the army. As it happens, Dr. Woodcourt is also there—presumably just returning from his eventful sea voyage. Esther is initially quite afraid to see him. Since they had an attraction to each other before he left, she is embarrassed for him to see her scarred, disfigured face. As usual, Esther doesn't allow herself to feel self-pity for long. She pushes away her emotions and forces herself to greet her friend. In Esther's opinion, Dr. Woodcourt reacts to her with deep pity and sorrow over her lost looks....