Claudius and Gertrude hope that visitors will help with Hamlet's mood. Claudius receives news from Norway. Polonius, believing he has discovered the cause for Hamlet's madness, attempts to have a conversation with him. The arrival of the acting troupe gives Hamlet the opportunity to devise a trap for Claudius.
As Edgar's health fades, Heathcliff worries that Linton will die before Edgar. He imprisons Cathy and Nelly after he convinces them to visit, and will not release Cathy until she marries Linton. Nelly is kept prisoner for five days.
Amelia's heart is troubled as the continues to follow the regiment.
Jane has heard that it is a bad omen to dream of children, and now she has dreams on seven consecutive nights involving babies. She learns that her cousin John Reed has committed suicide, and that her aunt, Mrs. Reed, has suffered a stroke and is nearing death. Jane goes to Gateshead, where she is reunited with Bessie. She also sees her cousins Eliza and Georgiana. Eliza is plain and plans to enter a convent, while Georgiana is as beautiful as ever. Ever since Eliza ruined Georgiana’s hopes of eloping with a young man, the two sisters have not gotten along. Jane tries to patch things up with Mrs. Reed, but the old woman is still full of hostility toward her late husband’s favorite. One day, Mrs. Reed gives Jane a letter from her father’s brother, John Eyre. He declares that he wishes to adopt Jane and bequeath her his fortune. The letter is three years old; out of malice, Mrs. Reed did not forward it to Jane when she received it. In spite of her aunt’s behavior, Jane tries once more to smooth relations with the dying woman. But Mrs. Reed refuses, and, at midnight, she dies.
Amy and Jo exhibit their personality differences while visiting several families.
Silas Marner, a respected resident of lantern Yard, is wrongfully accused of theft.
Three years have passed and Mr. March has come home. Meg is preparing for her marriage, while Jo pursues a writing career.
The narrator tells of his first encounter with Ethan Frome in the town of Starkfield, Massachusetts. The narrator seeks information on the reclusive Frome.
Luzhin accusations of theft anger Katerina, whose attempt to clear Sonia's name only further implicates her. Lebezyatnikov's appearance signals an end to Luzhin's deceptive plan. The Marmeladovs are evicted.
Jo and Professor Bhear divulge their true feelings to one another.
Another day begins in the Babbitt household. The reader is introduced to George and Myra Babbitt.
Regin tells his story, and Siegfried agrees to go with him to get the treasure.
The Count asks Jonathan about the shipping business in England and insists that Jonathan stays with him for a month. The two send letters to England regarding the business. Jonathan writes Mina in a secret code. Jonathan explores the forbidden parts of the castle and is horrified by what he discovers. He wonders if he has gone mad.
Svidrigailov visits Sonia, assuring her that her family will be taken care of. After a series of strange dreams, a dazed Svidrigailov uses Dunya's revolver to take his own life.
Dora and David begin their life's together.
Catherine, delirious from not eating for three days, talks about her childhood with Heathcliff. When Edgar sees the terrible shape Catherine is in, he scolds Nelly for not calling him sooner; when the doctor arrives he predicts that Catherine will not survive her illness. While this is going on, Isabella runs away with Heathcliff.
Carol and Will have their first argument. Will complains about Carol's "highbrow" attitude, and the effect is it having on his personal and professional relationships.
Peggotty takes David to Yarmouth where he meets his nephew and niece. Before returning home, Peggotty tells David of his mothers marriage.
Phoebe and Holgrave bring the once dead garden back to life. She and Clifford often stroll the gardens to lift his spirits. Hepzibah begins arranging sunday afternoon lunches with Phoebe, Clifford, Holgrave, and Uncle Venner. For once, Clifford seems animated.
A down-on-his-luck man seeks a long-lost treasure and finds wealth and happiness.
Essentially homeless, Jurgis runs into a woman who attended his wedding and is given Marija's address. Jurgis visits Marija right before the police arrive to raid the house. Jurgis learns that Marija has been working as a prostitute and is addicted to morphine. Jurgis is arrested again.
While proceeding to the Cathedral late at night, Jasper and Durdles secretly observe the behavior of Crisparkle and Neville. Jasper recalls an odd experience he had at the crypt while Durdles later experiences something strange himself.
Mulford and Rose talk. He reveals his jealousy over her relationship with Jack Tier, but she reveals that Jack is married. Wallace questions the captain. Spike gives Jack Tier orders.
Jack speaks to the other seamen and plans to assist Mulford. Jack reveals his plans to Rose.
The narrator gives a detailed description of Paris and its ever-changing architecture.