Chapter 37
Pride and Desperate Measures
LOOKING SOUTH. “A spade! a rake! a hoe! A pickaxe or a bill! A hook to reap, or a scythe to mow, A flail or what ye will— And here’s a ready hand To ply the needful tool, And skill’d enough, by lessons rough, In Labour’s rugged school.” HOOD. Higgins’s door was locked the next day, when they went to pay their call on the widow Boucher: but they learnt this time from an officious neighbour, that he was really from home. He had, however, been in to see Mrs. Boucher, before starting on his day’s business, whatever that was.…
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Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Daddy had been a kind daddy to them; each could tell, in their eager stammering way, of some tenderness"
Context: Describing how Boucher's children remember their father
The children's memories focus on their father's love and kindness, showing they understand what really matters. Their 'eager stammering' shows genuine emotion, unlike their mother's calculated complaints.
In Today's Words:
The kids remembered all the sweet things their dad did for them and couldn't wait to share those memories The same pressure shows up in workplaces and families when class pride, moral certainty, or fear of looking weak keeps people from hearing each other. The same pressure shows up in workplaces and families when class
"A flail or what ye will— And here’s a ready hand To ply the needful tool, And skill’d enough, by lessons rough, In Labour’s rugged school."
Context: From the opening of the chapter
This line anchors the scene's pressure and shows how class pride, labor conflict, or moral certainty can harden before anyone listens.
In Today's Words:
In plain terms, the passage says: A flail or what ye will, And here’s a ready hand To ply the needful tool, And skill’d enough, by lessons rough, In Labou Readers still recognize the same dynamic when people with different stakes talk past each other instead of toward a solution.
"Higgins’s door was locked the next day, when they went to pay their call on the widow Boucher: but they learnt this time from an officious neighbour, that he was really from home."
Context: From the opening of the chapter
This line anchors the scene's pressure and shows how class pride, labor conflict, or moral certainty can harden before anyone listens.
In Today's Words:
In plain terms, the passage says: Higgins’s door was locked the next day, when they went to pay their call on the widow Boucher: but they learnt this time from an officious n Readers still recognize the same dynamic when people with different stakes talk past each other instead of toward a solution.
"He had, however, been in to see Mrs."
Context: From the opening of the chapter
This line anchors the scene's pressure and shows how class pride, labor conflict, or moral certainty can harden before anyone listens.
In Today's Words:
In plain terms, the passage says: He had, however, been in to see Mrs. Readers still recognize the same dynamic when people with different stakes talk past each other instead of toward a solution. The same pressure shows up in workplaces and families when class pride, moral certainty, or fear of looking weak keeps people
Thematic Threads
Deception
In This Chapter
Margaret's lie about Frederick haunts her, creating internal torment about her integrity
Development
Evolved from her earlier criticism of trade dishonesty to personal moral compromise
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when a necessary lie to protect someone you love makes you question your entire character.
Class
In This Chapter
Higgins faces rejection everywhere due to his reputation as a strike leader, forcing him to consider leaving
Development
Deepened from abstract class conflict to personal consequences of taking a stand
In Your Life:
You see this when speaking up at work labels you a troublemaker, limiting future opportunities.
Pride
In This Chapter
Higgins must swallow his pride to ask Thornton for work, despite their bitter history
Development
Transformed from destructive pride that fueled conflict to pride that must bend for survival
In Your Life:
You face this when you need help from someone you've had conflict with, but people depend on you.
Responsibility
In This Chapter
Higgins takes on supporting Boucher's family out of guilt, while Mrs. Boucher avoids her responsibilities
Development
Introduced here as contrast between taking on burdens and shirking them
In Your Life:
You might see this when someone's crisis becomes your responsibility because they won't handle it themselves.
Identity
In This Chapter
Margaret realizes her southern perspective helps her see the reality of agricultural life that Higgins romanticizes
Development
Built from her ongoing reconciliation of northern and southern experiences
In Your Life:
You recognize this when your background gives you insight others lack, making you responsible for sharing hard truths.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
What situation opens "Pride and Desperate Measures", and what is at stake for Margaret or the people around her?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
Margaret and her father visit Mrs.
- 2
How does the middle of "Pride and Desperate Measures" test pride, loyalty, or conscience under pressure?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
Now she feels hypocritical and dreads facing him again, yet longs to know where she stands in his opinion.
- 3
Where in "Pride and Desperate Measures" do class, work, or family obligations pull in opposite directions?
application • mediumOne way to read it
Now she feels hypocritical and dreads facing him again, yet longs to know where she stands in his opinion.
- 4
What does the closing movement of "Pride and Desperate Measures" suggest about love, justice, or self-knowledge?
application • deepOne way to read it
His mixture of fierce independence and genuine care for Boucher's children reveals the complexity beneath his rough exterior.
- 5
After "Pride and Desperate Measures", what would you do differently if you were trying to bridge a divide without surrendering your values?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
His mixture of fierce independence and genuine care for Boucher's children reveals the complexity beneath his rough exterior.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Shame Compass
Think of a recent situation where you felt ashamed or guilty. Draw two columns: 'What I Can Control' and 'What I Can't Control.' List everything about that situation in the appropriate column. Then identify one concrete action you could take to address something from the 'Can Control' side.
Consider:
- •Notice if you're spending more mental energy on the 'Can't Control' side
- •Ask yourself: 'Is this shame pointing me toward growth or just punishment?'
- •Consider how your shame response affects others who depend on you
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when shame motivated you to make a positive change versus a time when shame just made you feel stuck. What was the difference in how you handled each situation?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 38: When Pride and Misunderstanding Collide
Higgins faces his dreaded confrontation with Thornton, while Margaret anxiously awaits the outcome of this meeting between two proud, principled men who could either destroy or understand each other. The opening of CHAPTER XXXVIII. will force Margaret to act faster than she expected, and the choice she makes there will echo through every relationship still ahead.
