# To Get Your Own Living explained — Harding’s Luck

> Chapter companion for Harding’s Luck by E. Nesbit.

## What happens

Dickie and Mr. Beale discuss giving up burglary and finding honest work. Dickie shares his dream of a past life as a gentleman, causing tension with Beale, who fears losing him. They decide to sleep in Dickie's old house, and Dickie carves boxes while Beale sells puppies, beginning a new, more honest life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Poverty

Dickie and Beale's struggle to earn an honest living and their discussion of unemployment highlight the constraints of poverty and class.

### Duality of Identity

Dickie's dream of being a gentleman with a coat of arms contrasts sharply with his real-life poverty, creating tension with Beale.

### Magic and Escapism

Dickie's dream world offers an escape from hardship, influencing his desire for a better life and his carving skills.

## Character check-ins

### Dickie Harding

Dickie recounts his dream to Mr. Beale, expresses desire for honest work, and shows attachment to his old house and the memory of The Dream.

### Mr. Beale

Mr. Beale agrees to give up burglary, sells puppies for profit, and reacts with jealousy and insecurity when Dickie speaks of his dream identity.

### True

A puppy Dickie keeps from the litter, named after a dog in his dream; he bonds with True while working alone.

## Key lines

> We don't need to look to our fourpences so sharp's all that

We don't have to be so careful with our money.

_Beale reassures Dickie they can afford a lodging instead of sleeping in the old house._

> I could doss 'ere again

I could sleep here again.

_Dickie wistfully suggests sleeping in his old house to save money._

> If 'is lay ain't a safe lay old Beale won't be in it

If his scheme isn't a safe one, old Beale won't take part.

_Beale assures Dickie he will only join the redheaded man's plan if it's safe._

> A fool and his money's soon parted's what I say.

A fool and his money are soon parted, as the saying goes.

_Beale comments on the wealthy woman who paid two pounds for a puppy._

> You'd make a tidy bit on the 'alls

You could earn good money on the music halls.

_Beale is impressed by Dickie's dream story and suggests he could perform it._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/harding_s_luck_se/chapters/v-to-get-your-own-living
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/harding_s_luck_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/harding_s_luck_se/chapters