Hard Times, Chapter 12 summary
Chapter 12 of 37 · Book 1: Sowing · 8 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Stephen Blackpool meets an old country woman whose yearly visit centers on seeing Mr. Bounderby, and her delight contrasts with his private suffering. After work, he fails to find Rachael, wanders through the rain reflecting on his unhappy home and their blocked happiness, and finally returns home.
What happens
- Outside Mr. Bounderby’s house, an old woman asks Stephen about the gentleman’s health and appearance.
- She describes her demanding annual journey and her wish merely to glimpse Mr. Bounderby.
- Stephen gently avoids upsetting her belief that employment at the factory makes him happy.
- She kisses his working hand and remains outside admiring the factory after he begins work.
- When work ends, Stephen waits unsuccessfully for Rachael and wanders through the rain.
- He reflects on their lost possibilities and his distressing home before returning there for shelter.
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Why does the old woman kiss Stephen’s hand?
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