Hard Times Marriage Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

Now, these persistent assuagements of his misery, and lightenings of his load, had by this time begun to have the effect of making Mr. Bounderby softer than usual towards Mrs. Sparsit, and harder than usual to most other people from his wife downward. So, when Mrs. Sparsit said with forced lightness of heart, 'You want your breakfast, sir, but I dare say Miss Gradgrind will soon be here to preside at the table,' Mr. Bounderby replied, 'If I waited to be taken care of by my wife, ma'am, I believe you know pretty well I should wait till Doomsday, so I'll trouble you to take charge of the teapot.' Mrs. Sparsit complied, and assumed her old position at table. (2.9.15-16)

Mrs. Sparsit acts the part of wife to the now-married Mr. Bounderby. However, both she and Louisa have a fairly similar opinion of him; Mrs. Sparsit is willing to try a lifetime of repression in exchange for financial security.