# VII: Harry East’s Dilemmas and Deliverances explained — Tom Brown’s School Days

> Chapter companion for Tom Brown’s School Days by Thomas Hughes.

## What happens

Tom Brown, Harry East, and Gower continue their morning lessons, but Tom, influenced by Arthur, proposes giving up cribs. East reveals his deep-seated feelings of isolation and his struggle with confirmation and taking the Sacrament, leading to a heartfelt conversation with Tom. Tom shares his own experience of praying for Flashman during the Sacrament, which helps East see a new perspective. That night, East speaks with the Doctor and decides to seek confirmation, feeling a great relief.

## Themes in this chapter

### Character and Moral Development

Tom and East's conversation about faith, confirmation, and the Sacrament illustrates their moral growth and the struggle to align actions with beliefs.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Tom's support for East, including sharing his own spiritual struggles, deepens their friendship and demonstrates loyalty.

### Religion and Spirituality

The chapter centers on East's dilemmas regarding confirmation and the Sacrament, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and spiritual community.

## Character check-ins

### Tom Brown

Tom initiates a conversation about giving up cribs and later has a deep discussion with East about faith and confirmation.

### Harry East

East confesses his feelings of being misunderstood and his struggles with confirmation, eventually deciding to speak with the Doctor.

### George Arthur

Arthur is mentioned as the influence behind Tom's decision to give up cribs and as a key figure in Tom's spiritual growth.

### Gower

Gower is part of the study group and is resistant to Tom's proposal about cribs, prioritizing fives practice.

### Dr. Arnold

The Doctor is sought out by East for guidance about confirmation and is shown as a supportive figure.

## Key lines

> You must find what is there, at the very root and bottom of one another’s hearts; and if you are at one there, nothing on earth can or at least ought to sunder you.

True friendship requires understanding each other's deepest feelings, and once that connection is made, nothing should break it.

_Tom reflects on the essence of genuine friendship during his conversation with East._

> I think I see now how the right sort of sympathy with poor devils is got at.

East realizes that true compassion for others comes from a place of shared struggle and faith.

_East's insight after Tom shares his experience of praying for Flashman during the Sacrament._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tom_brown_s_school_days_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-harry-east-s-dilemmas-and-deliverances
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tom_brown_s_school_days_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tom_brown_s_school_days_se/chapters