Hard Times. Study Guide Student Copy

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3 Hard Times BOOK THE FIRST SOWING Chapter I The One Thing Needful Study Guide Student Copy cellarage space in a cellar commodious offering plenty of room; spacious; roomy 1. Hard Times was originally written in weekly installments for the magazine Household Words. In this first, brief chapter, Dickens introduces one of the major themes of the novel: the failure of the educational system to provide children with both a factual and an artistic, spiritual, imaginative education. Find a passage in this chapter reflecting this idea. Use the following passage to answer the next two questions: The scene was a plain, bare, monotonous vault of a schoolroom, and the speaker s square forefinger emphasized his observations by underscoring every sentence with a line on the schoolmaster s sleeve. The emphasis was helped by the speaker s square wall of a forehead, which had his eyebrows for its base, while his eyes found commodious cellarage in two dark caves, overshadowed by the wall. The emphasis was helped by the speaker s mouth, which was wide, thin, and hard set. The emphasis was helped by the speaker s voice, which was inflexible, dry and dictatorial. The emphasis was helped by the speaker s hair, which bristled on the skirts of his bald head, a plantation of firs to keep the wind from its shining surface, all covered with knobs, like the crust of a plum pie, as if the head had scarcely warehouseroom for the hard facts stored inside. The speaker s obstinate carriage, square coat, square legs, square shoulders, nay, his very neckcloth, trained to take him by the throat with an unaccommodating grasp, like a stubborn fact, at it was, all helped the emphasis. (Pg. 1) S-1

4 2. What does the above passage reveal to the reader about the unnamed speaker? Include what the description says about his personality, views on education, and physical attributes. 3. Dickens writing style is rich with metaphors, similes, personification, and the use of repetition. Find an example of each of these uses of language in the above passage. 4. The titles of the chapters in this novel are significant. What is the one important thing Dickens is referring to in this chapter titled The One Thing Needful? S-2

5 Chapter II Murdering the Innocents behoof behalf, benefit, interest, sake bolus a small round lump or mass as chewed food corpulent fat and fleshy farrier a person who treats the diseases of horses fistic having to do with boxing galvanizing rouse; stir; spur graminivorous feeding on grass or seeds peremptorily that which cannot be denied, changed, delayed, or opposed phraseology choice and pattern of words pugilist a boxer supposititious hypothetical 1. The unnamed speaker in Chapter I is identified as Mr. Gradgrind. What is Mr. Gradgrind s profession? What does his name suggest to the reader about his personality? 2. Describe the differences in Bitzer s and Sissy s personalities as shown in their classroom experience. 3. Morgaina is a character from the story of The Arabian Nights. Looking for forty thieves, she finds some jars. One of the jars contains a liquid, but the forty thieves are hiding in the other jars. Morgaina boils the liquid in the first jar and pours the hot liquid into the remaining jars, killing the thieves. In the closing paragraph of this chapter, Dickens compares M Choakumchild s teaching methods to the story of Morgainia in The Arabian Nights. What does this allusion/metaphor reveal about M Choakumchild s teaching philosophy? S-3

6 4. One of the enduring qualities about Dickens writing style is his sense of humor, which is revealed on many levels, including the names of some of the characters, his chapter titles, his use of sarcasm, and the sometimes humorous situations. Find an example of his humor in this chapter. 5. The title of this chapter, Murder of the Innocents, is an allusion to the Biblical story of King Herod, who ordered the murder of all male babies in Bethlehem in an effort to kill the Christ child. In what sense are the children in this school in danger? S-4

7 Chapter III A Loophole abasing humbling or humiliating conchological the study of mollusks ecclesiastical the church or the clergy metallurgical the science of metals mineralogical the study of minerals niche a place or a position ogre a hideous, coarse, or cruel man plaudits applause, praise replete well-filled or supplied suffrages votes 1. Find an example of descriptive imagery in this chapter which helps to illustrate Mr. Gradgrind s rigid no-nonsense philosophy. 2. How old is Louisa? What is her reaction when her father catches her and Thomas peeking at the circus through the hole in the booth? 3. On the surface, the title of this chapter, The Loophole, refers to the hole in the booth the children look through to see the circus. On a deeper level, some critics believe the title foreshadows future events in the chapter. What do you think the title of this story may be suggesting about Louisa s and/or Thomas future? 4. Dickens wrote this serial novel in installments. He includes many cliffhangers at the end of the chapters to draw the reading audience back to the story for the next installment. What is the cliffhanger in this chapter? S-5

8 Chapter IV Mr. Bounderby alloy a mixture of two or more metals antecedent happening prior to something else cavernous deep-set, hollow cogent forceful and to the point culmination end or finish dial-plate the face of a clock or watch imbecility foolishness, stupidity languidly without vigor or vitality physic a medicine or remedy remonstrated to plead in protest, objection, or complaint saunter a leisurely walk sonorous producing or capable of producing sound vaunt boast, brag 1. People living in the 1850 s did not have movies or television; instead, they read, and they often read novels aloud to each other. Dickens writing style is characterized by a rhythmical, repetitious, almost musical quality that makes his novels fun to listen to and to read aloud. Find a passage in this chapter that demonstrates his use of repetition. 2. Summarize Mr. Bounderby s early life. What evidence is there that he is proud of his humble beginnings? 3. Who do Bounderby and Mr. Gradgrind blame for Louisa s and Thomas decision to look through the hole at the circus riders? What action do they plan to take? 4. Why do you think Louisa rubs the place where Bounderby kisses her cheek and tells Thomas, You may cut the piece out with your penknife if you like? (Pg. 16) Describe Louisa s relationship with her mother. Why do you think she fails to confide to her mother her impressions of Bounderby? S-6

9 Chapter V The Key-note coke another term for coal larruped whipped, flogged, beaten palpitating throbbing Teetotal Society a group who never drink any alcoholic liquor 1. Hard Times is a social commentary that illustrates the quality of life for the workingclass in industrial towns such as Coketown. What is Coketown being compared to in the following description? It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it; but as matters stood it was a town of unnatural red and black like the painted face of a savage. It was a town of machinery and tall chimneys, out of which interminable serpents of smoke trailed themselves for ever and ever, and never got uncoiled. It had a black canal in it, and a river that ran purple with ill-smelling dye, and vast piles of building full of windows where there was a rattling and a trembling all day long, and where the piston of the steam-engine worked monotonously up and down like the head of an elephant in a state of melancholy madness. (Pg. 16) 2. What basic idea or principle does Dickens description of Coketown suggest to the reader that might be essential for the reader to understand the chapter? 3. In what sense are Louisa and Thomas Gradgrind analogous to the people of Coketown? S-7

10 Chapter VI Sleary s Horsemanship abashed made embarrassed and ill at ease absconded ran away and hid bismuth a hard, brittle metal carmine a red or purplish-red pigment cheeking disrespectful boldness, sauciness conciliate to win over; soothe the anger of dudgeon anger or resentment ejaculated to say suddenly ethereal very light, airy, delicate obtrusive calling attention to oneself in a displeasing way ponging stinking supercilious disdainful or contemptuous 1. The image of a horse is a recurring motif in this story. Find an example of this motif in this chapter. 2. Briefly describe Mr. E. W. B. Childers. What do the names Childers and Kidderminister suggest to the reader about the personalities of the circus men? 3. Why does Mr. Jupe leave his daughter? For what reasons does Childers believe Sissy will never accept the fact that her father has left her? 4. One technique Dickens uses to interject humor in his stories is to set up a situation where a pompous, self-important character is deflated by a seemingly less intelligent or less worldly character. Find an example of this technique in this chapter. S-8

11 5. In what way does Mr. Gradgrind offer to help Sissy? For what reasons does she accept his offer? 6. Some critics believe that Hard Times is an allegory, meaning the characters in the story have both a literal and a symbolic meaning. For instance, some critics believe that Mr. Bounderby represents unfeeling businessmen who get rich from the labors of the poor. Assuming the critics are correct, and this novel is an allegory, what might each of the following characters represent in this story? Mr. Gradgrind Mr. Childers and Mr. Kidderminister S-9

12 Chapter VII Mrs. Sparsit affectation a pretense Coriolanus a tragedy by Shakespeare, based on the story of gaius Marcius Coriolanus, a Roman general of the 5 th century B.C. 1. An epithet is an adjective or phrase which delineates a personality by the attributes possessed by the person. For example, the invincible is an epithet for Achilles, a mythological Greek hero whose only vulnerable spot is his heel. What epithet does Dickens use to describe Mr. Bounderby? What aspect of Mr. Bounderby s personality does the epithet delineate? 2. Why does Mrs. Sparsit work for Mr. Bounderby as his housekeeper? What is implied about her character by her name and by Dickens description of her Coriolanian nose? 3. What can the reader suppose Mrs. Sparsit feels, in the following excerpt, when Mr. Bounderby reminds her that she was once a wealthy aristocrat? Well, ma am, said her patron, perhaps some people may be pleased to say that they do like to hear, in his own unpolished way, what Josiah Bounderby, of Coketown, has gone through. But you must confess that you were born in the lap of luxury, yourself. Come, ma am, you know you were born in the lap of luxury. I do not, Sir, returned Mrs. Sparsit with a shake of her head, deny it. (Pg. 34) 4. Assuming this novel is an allegory, what might Mrs. Sparsit s character represent? 5. Why does Mr. Gradgrind decide to let Sissy Jupe live in his home? S-10

13 Chapter VIII Never Wonder jaundice a bitter or prejudiced state of mind caused by jealousy or envy; also a disease portentous that which predicts evil; ominous 1. What is the one point all of the religious denominations in Coketown all support? What does this point mean? 2. For what reasons does Tom refer to the Gradgrind home as Jaundice-Jail? (Pg. 38) 3. How does Tom plan to manage and smooth old Bounderby? (Pg. 38) 4. Critics believe that fire is a symbol in this story. Read the following excerpt from the chapter describing Louisa s affinity for it. Considering her interest in the fire, what do you think this might represent in this story? The answer was so long in coming, though there was no indecision in it, that Tom went and leaned on the back of her chair, to contemplate the fire which so engrossed her, from her point of view, and see what he could make of it. Except that it is a fire, said Tom, it looks to me as stupid and bland as everything else looks. What do you see in it? Not a circus? I don t see anything in it, Tom, particularly. But since I have been looking at it, I have been wondering about you and me, grown up. Wondering again! said Tom. I have such unmanageable thoughts, returned his sister, that they will wonder. (Pg. 40) S- 11

14 Chapter IX Sissy s Progress asunder into parts or pieces torpid slow and dull 1. For what reasons does Sissy not have an easy time living in Mr. Gradgrind s home? Why does she remain in the home instead of running away? 2. How did you feel when you read about Sissy s wrong answers to the questions she is asked in school? In what sense are her answers an example of irony? 3. Why do you think Louisa questions Sissy about her background? In what ways does listening to Sissy s story change Louisa? S-12

15 Chapter X Stephen Blackpool capacious roomy; spacious compeers people of the same rank or status infamy disgrace; dishonor stolid showing little or no emotion 1. Periodically, Dickens breaks away from third-person omniscient narration to speak directly to the reader, often speaking as himself, in first-person. Find an example of first-person narration in this chapter when Dickens, as the narrator, is speaking or moralizing directly to the reader. 2. Briefly describe Stephen Blackpool. Why is he often called Old Stephen? 3. Briefly describe Rachael s physical appearance and her relationship with Blackpool. 4. What is the probable identity of the woman who is waiting for Stephen in his room? S- 13

16 Chapter XI No Way Out valedictory said at a farewell 1. Hard Times is a novel of social commentary that illustrates the plight of the working man in the face of the impersonal and often unjust Industrial Revolution. What price does Dickens suggest society pays for the economic advantages the Industrial Revolution brings to England? 2. Why does Blackpool go to see Mr. Bounderby? 3. Dickens wanted a divorce from his wife so he could marry a younger woman. He felt very strongly that divorce should be an option for someone who is in an unhappy marriage, so the need for a way for people from all classes to obtain a divorce is one of the themes of this novel. List the procedure a man like Blackpool must follow to obtain a divorce. S-14

17 4. One of the themes of this novel is the unjust discrepancy between the lives of the working-class and the upper-class in England. What is Bounderby saying about Stephen in the following passage? Now, you have always been a steady Hand hitherto; but my opinion is, and so I tell you plainly, that you are turning into the wrong road. You have been listening to some mischievous stranger or other they re always about and the best thing you can do is, to come out of that. Now you know; here his countenance expressed marvellous acuteness; I can see as far into a grindstone as another man; farther than a good many, perhaps, because I had my nose well kept to it when I was young. I see traces of the turtle soup, and venison, and gold spoon in this. (Pg. 57) 5. During the conversation between Bounderby and Blackpool, what is Stephen s description of his predicament? What does he mean? S- 15

18 Chapter XII The Old Woman thrum noise 1. Briefly describe the old woman Stephen meets as he leaves Bounderby s residence. 2. What evidence is there in this chapter that the old woman is in some way familiar with or acquainted with Bounderby? Why does she walk forty miles to town once a year? 3. One of the motifs in this novel is the idea of watching or keeping someone under surveillance. Think back on the story so far. Aside from the old woman who comes to town to look at Bounderby, list two additional examples of this motif. Why do you think the old woman is content to catch a glimpse of Bounderby once a year? 4. What misconception does the old woman have about life in the city? S-16

19 Chapter XIII Rachael insensate not feeling, or not capable of feeling A candle faintly burned in the window, to which the black ladder had often been raised for the sliding away of all that was most precious in this world to a striving wife and a brood of hungry babies; and Stephen added to his other thoughts the stern reflection, that of all the casualties of this existence upon earth, not one was dealt out with so unequal a hand as Death. (Pg. 61) 1. What might the candle and the black ladder represent in the passage above? 2. In many of Dickens works, he includes a character representing his vision of an ideal woman. Some critics believe that Rachael represents this, but others insist that it is Sissy Jupe. Based on the incidents in this chapter, what evidence is there to support the idea that the character of Rachael represents the ideal woman? 3. Many of Dickens works also contain a portentous dream. One of the most famous is from A Christmas Carol, when Scrooge dreams about the three ghosts. What future event might Stephen s dream suggest to the reader? 4. Find an incident in this chapter illustrating the watching motif. S-17

20 Chapter XIV The Great Manufacturer lurid glowing through a haze utilitarian usefulness 1. Louisa, Tom, and Sissy are becoming young adults. What plans does Mr. Gradgrind have for young Tom s future? What evidence is there in this chapter that, despite Mr. Gradgrind s utilitarian beliefs, he thinks highly of Sissy? 2. What future event does Mr. Gradgrind s conference with Bounderby and his request to have a talk with Louisa in the morning suggest to the reader? 3. Why do you think Tom warns Louisa about her father s talk with Bounderby? What does Tom want from his sister? S-18

21 Chapter XV Father and Daughter aggregate a whole; total discomfited made uncomfortable recumbent lying down; reclining 1. Mr. Gradgrind seems to be ill at ease when Louisa asks him, Do you think I love Mr. Bounderby? He is described as extremely discomfited by this unexpected question. (Pg. 72) Why do you think he considers this question uncomfortable? 2. What does the fire mentioned in the following passage symbolize in this story? Why do you think Mr. Gradgrind fails to understand what his daughter is really telling him in this passage? There seems to be nothing there but languid and monotonous smoke. Yet when the night comes, Fire bursts out, father! she answered, turning quickly. Of course I know that, Louisa. I do not see the application of the remark. To do him justice he did not, at all. (Pg. 74) 3. In the last paragraph of this chapter, Sissy learns about Louisa s engagement to Bounderby: Sissy had suddenly turned her head, and looked, in wonder, in pity, in sorrow, in doubt, in a multitude of emotions, toward Louisa. Louisa had known it, and seen it, without looking at her. From that moment she was impassive, proud and cold held Sissy at a distance changed to her altogether. (Pg. 77) Why does Louisa change toward Sissy? S-19

22 Chapter XVI Husband and Wife condescension a patronizing manner or behavior disquietude restlessness vinous like wine 1. How does Mrs. Sparsit react when Bounderby tells her that he is planning to marry Louisa? 2. Bounderby offers Mrs. Sparsit an apartment at the bank and an income. Why do you think he wants to keep her around, even though she will no longer be his housekeeper? 3. Surveillance or watching appears again. Find a passage in this chapter illustrating that Bounderby has had Louisa under surveillance most of her life. 4. This is the last chapter in Book The First: Sowing. The second is titled Reaping. What might the following characters reap in the next book? Mr. Gradgrind Bounderby Louisa Tom Sissy Stephen Blackpool The old woman who travels to town to see Bounderby S-20

23 BOOK THE SECOND REAPING Chapter I Effect in the Bank balm healing or soothing decamped went away suddenly and secretly dissipated scattered, squandered or wasted edifice a large building exemplary serving as a model or example gamed to gamble improvident failing to provide for the future, lacking foresight or thrift magnanimous generous; rising above pettiness or meanness pauperize to make a pauper of; impoverish self-laudatory expressing praise about oneself truckle bed a low bed on wheels that can be pushed under another bed when not in use visages faces 1. Dickens often uses satiric wit in his novels, employing ironic language to say one thing and mean another. Find an example of this. 2. Which two themes does the following passage illustrate? What are the restless wretches [the common laborer] doing now? asked Mrs. Sparsit. Merely going on in the old way, ma am. Uniting, and leaguing, and engaging to stand by one another. It is much to be regretted, said Mrs. Sparsit, making her nose more Roman and her eyebrows more Coriolanian in the strength of her severity, that the united masters allow of any such class-combinations. Yes, ma am, said Bitzer. Being united themselves, they ought one and all to set their faces against employing any man who is united with any other man, said Mrs. Sparsit. (Pg. 85) S-21

24 3. Describe Bitzer s relationship with Mrs. Sparsit. What motif in this novel does his relationship with Mrs. Sparsit support? 4. Briefly describe the stranger who visits the bank. Why does Mrs. Sparsit decide to give the stranger directions to Bounderby s home? S-22

25 Chapter II Mr. James Harthouse appellation a name or title enervate to deprive of strength epitome a short statement of the main points jocular joking; humorous predilection a preconceived liking salubrious promoting health or welfare; healthful superscribed written, marked, or engraved wry turned or bent to one side; twisted 1. How does Mr. James Harthouse feel about Louisa when he meets her for the first time? 2. Find a passage in this chapter that supports the following statement: Mr. James Harthouse is a young man who has no strong opinions or convictions of his own. 3. At the end of the chapter, Mr. Harthouse seems to be developing a relationship with Tom. Tom makes faces to show his contempt for Bounderby. Mr. Harthouse encouraged him much in the course of the evening, and showed an unusual liking for him (Pg. 95) Why do you think Mr. Harthouse is befriending Tom? S-23

26 Chapter III The Whelp caustic cutting or sarcastic edifying to improve, enlighten, or uplift placidly tranquilly, calmly, quietly sagaciously having keen perception and sound judgment 1. What information does Tom reveal about Louisa to Harthouse in this chapter? What do you suppose Harthouse plans to do with this information? 2. One of the themes of this story is that a child s education must be more than a factual education; it must include spirituality and imagination. In what way does this chapter support this theme? S-24

27 Chapter IV Men and Brothers corrugated shaped into parallel grooves and ridges; wrinkled recreant cowardly, disloyal subornation the crime of inducing another to commit a crime 1. Throughout this novel, Dickens show his sympathy for the oppressed working-class. What evidence is there in this chapter that Dickens does not believe that the union or its leaders are the solution to the plight of the working man? 2. Why does Slackbridge accuse Stephen Blackpool of being a man who deserts his post, and sells his flag; who, at such a time, turns a traitor and a craven and a recreant; who, at such a time is not ashamed to make to you the dastardly and humiliating avowal that he will hold himself aloof? (Pg. 105) How does Stephen respond to Slackbridge s comments? 3. How is Slackbridge s name ironic? What is Dickens trying to say about this character? 4. How is Blackpool punished by the other mill workers because he does not join the union? What does this action imply? 5. Why do you suppose Bounderby wants to see Blackpool? S-25

28 Chapter V Men and Masters raspish irritating, grating waspish bad-tempered, snappish 1. Find an example of an epithet in this chapter that describes Bounderby s personality. 2. Why does Stephen direct his conversation in this chapter to Louisa if Bounderby is asking him questions? 3. Bounderby insists that Stephen enumerate the complaints of the mill workers. List Stephen s complaints. What advice does Stephen give Harthouse and Bounderby on how to handle the workers complaints? 4. How does Bounderby respond to Stephen s comments? 5. Who do the following characters represent? Harthouse Bounderby Stephen Blackpool Slackbridge Rachael S-26

29 Chapter VI Fading Away 1. For what reason is Stephen relieved that he must leave Coketown? 2. In the following passage, Rachael discusses the promise Stephen made to her that kept him from joining the union. Why did she ask him not to join? After he is ostracized by his friends, why does she fail to release him from his promise? I didn t seek it of him, poor lad. I prayed him to avoid trouble for his own good, little thinking he d come to it through me. But I know he d die a hundred deaths, ere ever he d break his word. I know that of him well. (Pg. 119) 3. Why does Tom ask Stephen to stay around the bank for a couple of hours after work? 4. It seems out of character for Tom to want to help Stephen. What evidence is there in this chapter that Tom may not be sincere in his offer of assistance? S-27

30 Chapter VII Gunpowder arcadian rustic, peaceful, and simple balustrades railings caprice a sudden, impulsive change extricating setting free, releasing Gorgon in Greek mythology, any of three sisters with snakes for hair, so horrible that the beholder is turned to stone; any ugly or repulsive woman lassitude a state or feeling of being tired and listless mercenary working or done for payment only reiteration to repeat, say, or do again 1. Why do you think Dickens titles this chapter Gunpowder? What is the spark that may ignite the gunpowder present in this chapter? 2. How does Harthouse win Louisa s rare smile? S-28

31 Chapter VIII Explosion abstinence doing without disseminate to scatter far and wide hermitical like a person who lives alone idiosyncrasy personal peculiarity or mannerism impenitently without regret mealy unwilling to state the facts in simple, direct words morosely ill-tempered; gloomily pathos that which arouses feelings of pity spurning rejecting with contempt or disdain 1. Who is Dickens describing in the following passage? What is he telling the reader about the character s moral qualities? When the Devil goeth about like a roaring lion, he goeth about in a shape by which few but savages and hunters are attracted. But, when he is trimmed, smoothed, and varnished, according to the mode; when he is aweary of vice, and aweary of virtue, used up as to brimstone, and used up as to bliss; then, whether he take to the serving out of red tape, or to the kindling of red fire, he is the very Devil. (Pg. 134) 2. Why does Louisa drop or faint when she hears of the bank robbery? 3. Which incident(s) in this chapter supports the motif of surveillance or watching? 4. What evidence does Bounderby have incriminating Stephen in the bank robbery? S-29

32 5. Some critics believe that Mrs. Sparsit secretly wants to marry Mr. Bounderby one day. Others believe she wants to regain her position as his trusted housekeeper. What is your opinion of her feelings or motivations concerning Mr. Bounderby? Cite instances from the chapter to support your answer. 6. How does Tom feel after he lies to Louisa about his conversation with Stephen the night Louisa gave Stephen some traveling money? S-30

33 Chapter IX Hearing the Last of It cognizance perception or knowledge consummate very skillful decorous showing good taste dulcet soothing or pleasant to hear epigrammatically expressed in a witty way, often with a clever twist in thought indubitable unquestionable 1. In what ways is Mrs. Sparsit contributing to the problems in Bounderby s marriage? How does Louisa respond to her husband s offensive attitude? 2. What name does Mrs. Sparsit secretly call Bounderby? 3. On her deathbed, Mrs. Gradgrind observes that Louisa and Jane, Sissy s younger sister, and Louisa look alike. How is Jane different from how Louisa must have been as a young girl? How does Louisa explain the difference? 4. As she is dying Mrs. Gradgrind says to Louisa, But there is something not an Ology at all that your father has missed, or forgotten, Louisa. I don t know what it is. I have often sat with Sissy near me, and thought about it. I shall never get its name now. (Pg. 150) What do you think Mrs. Gradgrind is referring to in the above passage? 5. Support the following theme: People of all classes need an affordable way to obtain a divorce. S-31

34 Chapter X Mrs. Sparsit s Staircase acrimony bitterness, harshness Alderney small diary cattle anchorite a person who lives alone and apart from society for religious meditation contradistinguished distinguished one thing from another by contrast sagacious keen perception and sound judgment 1. The following passage from the story describes Mrs. Sparsit s staircase: It became the business of Mrs. Sparsit s life, to look up at her staircase, and to watch Louisa coming down. Sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly, sometimes several steps at one bout, sometimes stopping, never turning back. If she had once turned back, it might have been the death of Mrs. Sparsit in spleen and grief. (Pg. 151) In this passage, though, the staircase may not be a staircase in the literal sense. What might the staircase in this passage represent to Mrs. Sparsit? 2. Why does Mrs. Sparsit watch Louisa slipping into immorality, but does nothing to stop her decline? S-32

35 Chapter XI Lower and Lower adjuration a strong request ambuscade ambush Furies three mythological terrible female spirits with snaky hair who punish the doers of unavenged crimes munificent very generous in giving, lavish promptitude the quality of being prompt umbrageous shady viands articles of food 1. Describe the trap Mrs. Sparsit sets for Louisa. 2. Why does Mrs. Sparsit follow Louisa after Harthouse departs? 3. Read the following passage describing Mrs. Sparsit at the train station. Considering the title of this chapter and Mrs. Sparsit s former position in society, in what sense is this chapter ironic? Wet through and through: with her feet squelching and squashing in her shoes whenever she moved; with a rash of rain upon her classical visage; with a bonnet like an over-ripe fig; with all her clothes spoiled; with damp impressions of every button, string, and hook-and-eye she wore, printed off upon her highly connected back; with a stagnant verdure on her general exterior, such as accumulates on an old park fence in a mouldy lane; Mrs. Sparsit had no resource but to burst into tears of bitterness and say, I have lost her! (Pg. 160) S-33

36 Chapter XII Down anatomist a person skilled in anatomy 1. The title of this Second Book is Reaping. What does Mr. Gradgrind reap? 2. In what way does this last chapter in the Second Book illustrate the themes below? People of all classes need an affordable way to obtain a divorce. Education must include more than facts. Children need to develop their spirits and imaginations. S-34

37 BOOK THE THIRD Garnering Chapter I Another Thing Needful abjectly miserably bereft deprived of jaded tired; worn-out repose to lay or place for rest 1. What is the definition of garnering? Based on this definition, what do you think Book Three will tell the reader about the characters? 2. How does Louisa feel about her father at this point in the story? 3. It is important that a plot and the behavior of the characters in a story are believable. In this chapter, Mr. Gradgrind seems to understand, accept, and is sorry for the mistakes he made raising Louisa. Is this change of attitude believable? Cite incidents from the story to support the answer. 4. Some critics believe that Sissy represents the ideal woman in this story. What special qualities does she demonstrate in this chapter which help to support this idea? What qualities is she lacking that Dickens seems to be saying are unnecessary for a woman to possess? S-35

38 Chapter II Very Ridiculous griffin a mythical monster with the body and hind legs of a lion and the head, wings, and claws of an eagle. inviolable not to be violated reparation making amends sanguine confident 1. Why does Harthouse agree to leave town when Sissy confronts him at his hotel room? 2. In what sense is the title of this chapter, Very Ridiculous an example of irony? 3. What evidence is there in this chapter that Harthouse fails to learn a lasting lesson about morality from this incident? S-36

39 Chapter III Very Decided 1. How does Bounderby treat Mrs. Sparsit when he learns that her tales about Louisa and Harthouse are unfounded? 2. What is Bounderby s response when Mr. Gradgrind informs him that they have both misunderstood Louisa and suggests to Bounderby that Louisa should remain at Stone Lodge for a visit? (Pg. 181) 3. The last line in this chapter says that Bounderby advertised his country retreat for sale by private contract; and resumed a bachelor life. (Pg. 183) Why does he not divorce Louisa? In what way are his problems with Louisa ironic? S-37

40 Chapter IV Lost 1. What action does Bounderby take to try to find Stephen Blackpool? How does Slackbridge use Bounderby s action to further his own cause? 2. Rachael does not want to accuse Louisa of hurting Stephen s reputation, but she also believes his problems stem from Louisa s visit to his home the night Bounderby fires him. Find a passage in this chapter illustrating why Rachael mistrusts Louisa. 3. Why does Rachael write a letter to Stephen? 4. For what reasons is Stephen living under an assumed name? How does Bounderby interpret Stephen s decision to change his name? 5. Stephen does not return to Coketown as Rachael predicted. What do you think might have detained him? S-38

41 Chapter V Found humbug a person who is not what he claims to be 1. In what sense is the title of this chapter, Found, ironic? What does the reader learn about Bounderby? 2. Why does Tom stay close to Bounderby during the search for Stephen? 3. What is the nature of the fear that hovered about Louisa and Sissy as described in the following passage? This other fear was so awful, that it hovered about each of them like a ghostly shadow; neither daring to think of its being near herself, far less of its being near the other. (Pg. 197) Chapter VI The Starlight 1. The title of this chapter, The Starlight, is described in the following passage. What might the starlight represent in this story? Following his eyes, she [Rachael] saw that he [Stephen] was gazing at a star. It ha shined upon me, he said reverently, in my pain and trouble down below. It ha shined into my mind. I ha look n at t and thowt o thee, Rachael, till the muddle in my mind have cleared awa, above a bit, I hope. (Pg. 204) 2. What does Stephen say to Mr. Gradgrind in an effort to clear his name before he dies? S-39

42 Chapter VII Whelp-hunting 1. Most critics agree that this chapter is highly ironic. Discuss an ironic element you find in this chapter. 2. What indications are there in this chapter that Mr. Gradgrind has learned his lesson and will be a better man and father in the future? What lesson has he learned? 3. What is Tom s explanation to his father for his dishonest behavior? How does Mr. Gradgrind plan to save Tom from Bounderby? 4. What evidence is there at the end of this chapter that Tom has not grown or learned anything from his experiences? Chapter VIII Philosophical 1. For what reasons does Bitzer refuse Mr. Gradgrind s offer of money to release Tom? 2. How does Sleary cleverly arrange to rescue Tom? S-40

43 Chapter IX Final 1. Many of the people in Dickens novels are caricatures, flat characters with exaggerated mannerisms who do not grow or change as the novel progresses. Which of the characters in this novel could be considered caricatures and why? 2. The conclusion of this novel provides the reader with a glimpse of how certain characters have changed. Are the fates of any characters surprising or disappointing? Which are appropriate? S-41

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