Chapter One
The fog in "Bleak House" represents the ineffectiveness and lack of integrity in the Court of Chancery. Though the fog is literal in the way that the weather is bad and how London appears to be very gloom and doom, it is also a metaphor for the "fogginess" of the Justice system; more specifically, the lack of clarity the case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce has, since the founders of the case have long since passed, and now it sits on the shoulders of their grandchildren.
Chapter Two
This chapter is about the introduction of Lady Dedlock and the going-ons in her life. They also introduce a character named Mr. Tulkinghorn, who is very scary in the way that he knows everyone's secrets. During chapter two, Lady Dedlock faints when she sees the handwriting on one of the documents Mr. Tulkinghorn brings to her. This could be a foreshadow to something relevant in the J&J case because back then, everything was handwritten so you got to know everyone's individual style- especially that of your loved ones. This foreshadows a connection between this frivolous character and someone mentioned in the telling of Esther's life.
Chapter Three
A bit of irony abounds with the introduction of one of the dueling narrators- Esther Summerson. I think it's interesting that Dicken's chose a self-depricating, humble, kind girl as a main character, considering she doesn't have the personality of someone who would even dream of talking about her experiences. In my opinion, he created a very biased character (thinking the best of everybody and their actions) which may come in handy later in the story.
Chapter Four
This chapter introduces a theme in the book of ignoring your domestic responsibilities. Mrs. Jellyby doesn't keep track of her kids, there is rarely well-cooked food, cleanliness is not a priority, the staff is either drunk or not present, and she is more absorbed with a country hundreds of miles away more than she is with her own home. Basically, she represents the shambles London has fallen into.
Chapter Five
Some symbolism takes place in the Crazy Old Lady's house where the four young adults are beckoned into during their walk. So, Krook, an old man, owns a store full of things that he bought, but will never sell. He is a hoarder with a house filled with meaningless nonsense that has no value, and the majority of it is probably garbage. His house/store is nicknamed The Court of Chancery.
Chapter Six
Mr. Skimpole is a mooch when it comes to Mr. Jarndyce's resources, and apparently doesn't have a knack for responsibility, working, or providing for his family. He is a very controversial character because even though we are inclined to hate him, Esther seems very intrigued by his lifestyle, and wonders how he avoids so much responsibility. He shows Mr. Jarndyce's soft-spot for lost case's, but also makes you wonder why he would put up with this atrocious man for so long.
Chapter Seven
During this chapter, Mrs. Rouncewell recounts the story of a terrace they call "The Ghost's Walk" because a few centuries ago, the past Lady Dedlock cursed the Dedlock family. Apparently, she cursed this spot in particular so that every time something horrible was about to happen to a future Dedlock, you would be able to hear her footsteps walking about. This is a very obvious foreshadow.
Chapter Eight
In chapter eight, Mrs. Pardiggle, a woman attempting to start some kind of organization, shows up at Mr. Jarndyce's house looking for funds. Her whole character further supports the theme of ignoring your domestic responsibilities and instead caring more about a different cause. She is rude, mean, and thinks very lowly of anyone and everyone. Her home circumstances are very similar to Mrs. Jellyby's because she works from home, her house is in shambles, her kids are merely used to humanize her organization so she brings to all of her events, and she controls her husband, who has no say in anything.
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