Hard Times, Book 2: Reaping, Chapter 3 summary
Book 2: Reaping, Chapter 3 of 37 · 8 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, Tom drinks and smokes with Mr. James Harthouse, revealing that his sister Loo has no love for Bounderby and accepts the marriage partly for Tom’s benefit. Harthouse’s flattering attention draws out private details about her emotional life, while Tom fails to recognize the harm of his disclosures.
What happens
- The narrator links Tom’s hypocrisy and lack of self-control to his restrictive upbringing.
- At the hotel, Harthouse offers Tom tobacco, alcohol, and flattering familiarity, encouraging him to speak freely.
- Tom says Loo does not love Bounderby and explains that he persuades her to marry for his own comfort.
- Tom describes Loo’s inward withdrawal and blames their father’s system for leaving her without emotional resources.
- Tom hints that Mother Sparsit wants Bounderby, then falls into a drunken sleep.
- Harthouse sends Tom away; Tom goes home unaware of the damage his disclosures cause.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Tom exposes the strength of Loo’s attachment to him. His pride in that attachment also reveals how readily he uses her devotion for his own benefit.
Quick check
Why does Tom say he persuades Loo to marry Bounderby?
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