Su Yao Jun / synopsis chapter 1 - 3

Coketown lies shrouded in a haze of its own. The pollution from

factory has created smog around the city and the buildings can barely be
seen from a distance. This effected Coketown’s way of life like the
requirement to send working children to school. Following Mr.
Bounderby’s wedding, Mrs. Sparsit has settled into her place. Bitzer, the
light porter at the bank , chats with her about the bank workers and they
also discuss the misfortunes of the poor. Bitzer came from a lower class
family and he managed to save money so he believes that other workers
can and should do the same. Their conversation ends when a stranger
arrives with a letter from Mr. Gradgrind. They chatted about Mr.
Bounderby and Louisa, and the man leaves his letter for Mr. Bounderby.

The stranger is James Harthouse a wealthy man that was at

Coketown to teach at the Gradgrind school. Despite his privileges, he
was bored. Mr. Bunderby receives his letter and goes to Harthouse’s
place to meet him. Bounderby introduces himself and tells harthouse
about Coketown. After that, Bounderby takes Harthouse to meet Louisa.
After the introductions Bounderby takes Harthouse around Coketown. At
that time, Harthouse notices some tension in the marriage of Gradgrind
and Louisa. Chapter ends after Tom walks Hathouse back to his place.

At Jamess Harthouse’s place, he and Tom drinks and smoked.

When Tom gets drunk, he reveals his dislike for Mr. Bounderby. He also
reveals that Louisa doesn’t care about Bounderby and was forced to
marry him. Tom also says that he thinks Louisa will be fine in her
marriage and passes out before Harthouse sends him home.