Chapter 1-4 Summary

In a gloomy London atmosphere all appears blurred and disconnected. Fog and smoke pervades everything, being the beginning and the conclusion. The daunting November weather dampens spirits and frustrates travelers.

Fog mixed with chimney smoke and soot surrounds everything, concealing sunlight. Such fog is most severe near the Temple Bar in Lincoln's Inn Hall. It fails to discourage court proceedings, where the most famous case, Jarndyce and Jarndyce, is the longest case ever, consumed by expenses. Its complexity deters reporters and confuses lawyers. The original litigant, Tom Jarndyce, committed suicide, but his descendants continue never ending proceedings. The most knowledgeable lawyer in the case is Mr. Tangle, who has devoted himself entirely to this case since leaving school. There are two wards mentioned present. Other litigants are Mr. Flite, awaiting a verdict and Mr. Gridley, a former litigant.

Chapter 2 unravels with...