Hard Times · Chapter
Lost explained
The chapter details the aftermath of the bank robbery, focusing on Bounderby's relentless pursuit of Stephen Blackpool.
What happens
The chapter details the aftermath of the bank robbery, focusing on Bounderby's relentless pursuit of Stephen Blackpool. Bounderby posts a reward placard for Stephen's capture, stirring public attention and condemnation from Slackbridge. Rachael defends Stephen's innocence, revealing she has written to him and expects his return in two days. Louisa expresses pity for Stephen, while Bounderby and Tom remain suspicious. Sissy offers support to Rachael, and Mr. Gradgrind questions Louisa about her belief in Stephen's honesty.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
The chapter highlights the power imbalance between the wealthy factory owner Bounderby and the workers, as well as the suspicion and lack of trust that divides classes.
Compassion and Human Connection
Louisa's pity for Stephen and Sissy's offer of support to Rachael contrast with the general hostility, showing moments of empathy across class lines.
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Bounderby's self-congratulatory 'promptitude' in pursuing the robbery masks his willingness to condemn an innocent man, while Slackbridge's fiery denunciation of Stephen ignores the lack of evidence.
Characters to notice
- Josiah Bounderby
Bounderby intensifies his investigation into the bank robbery, posting a reward placard for Stephen Blackpool and interrogating Rachael about her correspondence with Stephen.
- Louisa Gradgrind
Louisa expresses compassion for Stephen Blackpool and defends her actions to Rachael, though she is met with suspicion. She later asks Rachael not to distrust her.
- Rachael
Rachael passionately defends Stephen's character, reveals she has written to him urging his return, and confronts Louisa and Bounderby about their suspicions.
- Sissy Jupe
Sissy offers practical support to Rachael, asking about her address and promising to visit for news of Stephen.
- Tom Gradgrind Junior
Tom remains in the background, scowling at his sister and leaving with Bounderby after offering a curt goodnight to his father.
- Thomas Gradgrind
Mr. Gradgrind is largely silent during the confrontation, but later asks Louisa if she believes Stephen is innocent.
Key passages
“I felt compassion for him, and I wished to know what he was going to do, and wished to offer him assistance.”
Louisa explains that she visited Stephen out of pity and a desire to help him.
Louisa defends her motives to Rachael and Bounderby.
“Stephen Blackpool is now named as a thief in public print all over this town, and where else!”
Rachael laments that Stephen has been publicly accused of theft in newspapers and posters.
Rachael expresses her distress over Stephen's public vilification.
“He drew up a placard, offering twenty pounds reward for the apprehension of Stephen Blackpool, suspected of complicity in the robbery of Coketown Bank”
Bounderby created a poster offering a reward for Stephen's capture, accusing him of being involved in the bank robbery.
Bounderby escalates his efforts to find Stephen.
“Oh, my friends and fellow-countrymen, the downtrodden operatives of Coketown, oh, my fellow-brothers and fellow-workmen and fellow-citizens and fellow-men, what a to-do was there, when Slackbridge unfolded what he called 'that damning document'”
Slackbridge addressed a crowd of workers, dramatically presenting the reward placard as evidence of Stephen's guilt.
Slackbridge uses the placard to incite the workers against Stephen.
