Hard Times
Study Guide
Student Copy
BOOK THE FIRST – SOWING
Chapter I – The One Thing Needful
Vocabulary
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
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
Chapter II – Murdering the Innocents
Vocabulary
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
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
Chapter III – A Loophole
Vocabulary
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
Chapter IV – Mr. Bounderby
Vocabulary
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
Chapter V – The Key-note
Vocabulary
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
Chapter VI – Sleary’s Horsemanship
Vocabulary
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
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
Chapter VII – Mrs. Sparsit
Vocabulary
affectation – a pretense
Coriolanus – a tragedy by Shakespeare, based on the story of gaius Marcius Coriolanus, a
Roman general of the 5th 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
Chapter VIII – Never Wonder
Vocabulary
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)
S11
Chapter IX – Sissy’s Progress
Vocabulary
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
Chapter X – Stephen Blackpool
Vocabulary
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?
S13
Chapter XI – No Way Out
Vocabulary
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
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?
S15
Chapter XII – The Old Woman
Vocabulary
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
Chapter XIII – Rachael
Vocabulary
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
Chapter XIV
– The Great Manufacturer
Vocabulary
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
Chapter XV – Father and Daughter
Vocabulary
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
Chapter XVI – Husband and Wife
Vocabulary
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
BOOK THE SECOND – REAPING
Chapter I – Effect in the Bank
Vocabulary
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
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
Chapter II – Mr. James Harthouse
Vocabulary
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
Chapter III – The Whelp
Vocabulary
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
Chapter IV – Men and Brothers
Vocabulary
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
Chapter V – Men and Masters
Vocabulary
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
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
Chapter VII –
Gunpowder
Vocabulary
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
Chapter VIII – Explosion
Vocabulary
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
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
Chapter IX – Hearing the Last of It
Vocabulary
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
Chapter X
– Mrs. Sparsit’s Staircase
Vocabulary
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
Chapter XI – Lower and Lower
Vocabulary
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
Chapter XII
– Down
Vocabulary
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
BOOK THE THIRD – Garnering
Chapter I – Another Thing Needful
Vocabulary
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
Chapter II – Very Ridiculous
Vocabulary
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
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
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
Chapter V – Found
Vocabulary
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
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
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
P
R E S T W I C K
H
L
O U S E
I T E R A R Y
of classics
available, what makes Prestwick House Literary
Touchstone Classics better?
Our editions were designed by former teachers with
the needs of teachers and students in mind. Because
we’ve struggled to stretch tight budgets and had to
deal with the deficiencies of cheaply made paperbacks,
we’ve produced high-quality trade editions at remarkably low prices. As a result, our editions have it all.
ITH ALL OF THE DIFFERENT EDITIONS
Value Pricing With our extraordinary Educators’
Discount, you get these books at 50% or more off the
list price
Reading Pointers for Sharper Insights Concise notes
that encourage students to question and consider
points of plot, theme, characterization, and style, etc.
C
L A S S I C S
Sturdy Bindings and High-Quality Paper High-quality
construction ensures these editions hold up to heavy,
repeated use.
Strategies for Understanding Shakespeare Each
Shakespeare Literary Touchstone Classic contains line
numbers, margin notes, and a guide to understanding
Shakespeare’s language, as well as key strategies for
getting the most from the plays.
At Least 50% Off!
New titles are constantly being added; call or visit our
website for current listing.
Retail Price Intro. Discount
202113
Dracula - Stoker ●●
$5.99
$2.99
200166
Ethan Frome - Wharton ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
200054
Frankenstein - Shelley ●●● ●
$4.99
$1.99
202112
Great Expectations - Dickens ●●● ●
$5.99
$2.99
202108
Gulliver’s Travels - Swift ●
$4.99
$2.49
200091
Hamlet - Shakespeare ●●● ●
$3.99
$1.99
200074
Heart of Darkness - Conrad ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
202117
Hound of the Baskervilles, The - Doyle ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
200147
Importance of Being Earnest, The - Wilde ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
301414
Invisible Man, The - Wells ●●
$3.99
$1.99
202115
Jane Eyre - Brontë ●●
$6.99
$3.49
200146
Julius Caesar - Shakespeare ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
201817
Jungle, The - Sinclair ●●●
$5.99
$2.99
200125
Macbeth - Shakespeare ●●● ●
$3.99
$1.99
204864
Medea - Euripides ●
$3.99
$1.99
200133
200081
Metamorphosis, The - Kafka ●●
Midsummer Night’s Dream, A - Shakespeare ●●●
$3.99
$3.99
$1.99
$1.99
202123
Much Ado About Nothing - Shakespeare ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
301391
My Antonia - Cather ●●
$3.99
$1.99
200079
Narrative of the Life of
Frederick Douglass - Douglass ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
301269
200564
Odyssey, The - Butler (trans.) ●●●
Oedipus Rex - Sophocles ●
$4.99
$3.99
$2.49
$1.99
200095
Othello - Shakespeare ●●● ●
$3.99
$1.99
202121
Picture of Dorian Gray, The - Wilde ●●
$4.99
$2.49
200368
Pride and Prejudice - Austen ●●●
$4.99
$2.49
202114
Prince, The - Machavelli ●
$3.99
$1.99
200053
200473
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Twain ●●● ●
Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The - Twain ●●●
$4.99
$4.99
$2.49
$2.49
202116
Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland - Carroll ●●
$3.99
$1.99
200791
Pygmalion - Shaw ●
$3.99
$1.99
202118
Antigone - Sophocles ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
200102
Red Badge of Courage, The - Crane ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
200141
Awakening, The - Chopin ●●● ●
$3.99
$1.99
200193
Romeo and Juliet - Shakespeare ●●●
$3.99
$0.99
202111
Beowulf - Roberts (ed.) ●
$3.99
$1.99
200132
Scarlet Letter, The - Hawthorne ●● ●
$4.99
$2.49
202119
Siddhartha - Hesse ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
204866
Best of Poe, The: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven,
$4.99
$3.99
$2.49
$1.99
204863
Silas Marner - Eliot ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
200150
The Cask of Amontillado, and 30 Others - Poe
Call of the Wild, The - London ●●●
200251
Tale of Two Cities, A - Dickens ● ●
$5.99
$2.99
200348
Canterbury Tales - Chaucer ●
$3.99
$1.99
200231
Taming of the Shrew, The - Shakespeare ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
200179
Christmas Carol, A - Dickens ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
204865
Time Machine, The - Wells ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
201198
Crime and Punishment - Dostoyevsky ●
$6.99
$3.49
202120
Treasure Island - Stevenson ●●
$4.99
$2.49
200694
Doll’s House, A - Ibsen ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
301420
War of the Worlds - Wells ●●
$3.99
$1.99
200190
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Stevenson ●●●
$3.99
$1.99
202122
Wuthering Heights - Brontë ● ●
$5.99
$2.99
● Teaching Units ● Response Journals ●Activity Pack ● AP Teaching Units
P.O. Box 658 • Clayton, DE 19938 • (800) 932-4593 • (888) 718-9333 • www.prestwickhouse.com
™
Glossary and Vocabulary An A-to-Z glossary makes
sure that your students won’t get lost in difficult allusions or archaic vocabulary and concepts.
Special Introductory Discount for Educators only –
O U C H S T O N E
The Perfect Balance Between Cost
and Quality for Classic Paperbacks
W
T
P
R E S T W I C K
H
O U S E
,
I
N C
.
Order Form
Bill To: ■Home ■ School
Ship To: ■ Home ■ School
School:
School:
Name:
Name:
Address:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
City, State, Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Phone:
Email:
X
ITEM NO
TITLE
QUANTITY
Method of Payment (Choose one)
Check or Money Order Enclosed
Visa
MasterCard
Discover Card
We accept purchase orders and authorized orders
charged to institutions. Personal orders not on a
credit card must be accompanied by a check.
Signature
Telephone #
=
Subtotal
$
12% S&H ($6.00 minimum)
$
Total
$
Purchase Order Enclosed
American Express
PRICE
TOTAL
Shipping & Handling
For orders of $50.00 or less, please add $6.00 for shipping and
Exp. Date
Credit Card #
Prestwick House, Inc.
P.O. Box 658
Clayton, DE 19938
Call 1-800-932-4593 Fax 1-888-718-9333
For orders of $800.00 and more, add 10%
Delivery Service
Most orders are shipped FedEx and you can expect delivery within 7-10 working days. Items in stock are usually shipped within
one working day of receiving your order.
Because charges for air delivery are based on weight and distance, heavy packages can be expensive to ship air freight. Typographic and photographic errors are subject to revision. Prestwick House is the sole source of all proprietary materials listed in this catalogue. Please be sure to
include a street address. FedEx ground/UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box.
Expedited Delivery
for expedited delivery ask about the following options:
• Overnight Air
• 2nd day air
• 3 Day Select