Mrs. Jellyby

Mrs. Jellyby, satiric character in the novel Bleak House (1852–53) by Charles Dickens, one of his memorable caricatures. Matronly Mrs. Jellyby is a philanthropist who devotes her time and energy to setting up a mission in Africa while ignoring the needy in her own family and neighbourhood.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.

Citation Information

Article Title: Mrs. Jellyby

Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica

Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

Date Published: 30 November 2015

URL: https://www.britannica.comhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Mrs-Jellyby

Access Date: March 14, 2025