Our Mutual Friend Lesson Plan

How does the conflict between Headstone and Wrayburn reach its breaking point in Book 4?

In this section, Headstone’s loathing of Wrayburn finally comes to a violent climax. Headstone’s crime is driven by his passion: in a vivid moment of grotesque symbolism, he cannot speak about the experience of seeing Wrayburn and Lizzie together without blood abruptly gushing from his nose.

The bleeding reflects how his rage and hate can no longer be contained, and need to find release in violent action. It is not clear whether Headstone believes that once Wrayburn is dead he will have a chance of marrying Lizzie himself, or whether he simply needs to ensure that his rival does...