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One of the things that impressed me most in the novel was the fact that the Court of Chancery which is supposed to be one of the pillars of order in the state and im meant to provide stability and fair judgements does exactly the opposite.
Individuals are distorted through its workings. In one dramatic moment John Jarndyce warns Richard not to trust his future to the Court. The latter ignores him and his affection for Jarndyce is distorted and he marries Ada for money--poisoning the genuine love that existed between them.
The question arises as to why Richard is such a wastrel. The reason lies in the fact that he is a ward of the court and has been conditioned to wait until his future is settled and he receives his money. Thus, he never seriously makes plans to find a vocation which will give meaning to his life. Therefor his entire personality is distorted leaving him no ambition and an ethical philosophy that lacks significant values,
Mr Gridley is another victim of the court. In the end his attempt to make it act with justice costs him his life.
Jarndyce realises how horrible the system is and he regards it as a curse. His advice to Richard and his opposition to their engagement is an attempt to salvage something for them in human terms. He believes that Carstone will have to prove himself in the crucible of the real world before he can marry Ada.
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