Hard Times, Book 2: Reaping, Chapter 8 summary

What happens

1. Harthouse reflects with satisfaction on Louisa’s trust in him, without troubling himself about where their closeness leads.
2. Bounderby reports the theft from Tom’s safe and identifies Pool and an unnamed old woman as suspects.
3. Mrs. Sparsit stays at the house, pointedly pities Bounderby, and watches Louisa walk outside with Harthouse.
4. After midnight, Louisa visits Tom’s bedroom and promises support if he reveals anything he conceals.
5. Tom denies having anything to confess and explains his private conversation with the man Louisa helps.
6. Once Louisa leaves, Tom locks his door and cries bitterly, hating himself but refusing repentance.

In this chapter

What to notice

Louisa offers protection rather than judgment. Tom’s continued refusal to confide shows the limit of her loving appeal.

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