Research Questions - Group 3 - Jo from Bleak House

 

1. Jo appears to be a homeless orphan. Was poverty – especially among children – common in London in the Victorian era? How did he survive?

2. Jo is certainly from the lowest class of society, but this gets you thinking about the rest of the classes in England. What are the classes in England right now? How can you tell them apart?

3. Jo isn’t surprised that he is accused of a crime, as if the poor are often accused of crimes. Was there a stereotype about the poor and criminality?

4. Thinking about crime more generally, was crime common in London at this time? Was London a safe city?

5. Jo’s plight makes you feel sympathetic towards him. Isn’t there anyone who could help Jo? Aren’t there charities or some sort of welfare system?

6. Jo is surrounded by other children beggars, some of whom speak with an Irish accent. Why are there so many Irish poor in London? Were there stereotypes towards the Irish at this time?