Hard Times · Character
Mrs. Pegler
An old woman who secretly visits Coketown, later revealed as Bounderby's mother.
minor
Also known as Mrs. Pegler, old Mrs. Pegler, Pegler
First appearance: XII: The Old Woman
Mrs. Pegler shows up with force in XII: The Old Woman. The page is where that presence becomes real.
The old woman is later revealed to be Mrs.
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In XII: The Old Woman: The old woman is later revealed to be Mrs. Pegler, though not explicitly named in this chapter; she is the mysterious visitor. Later, in Fading Away: Mrs. Pegler, an old woman who joins Stephen…
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The fuller portrait of Mrs. Pegler sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mrs. Pegler in XII: The Old WomanNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Louisa’s awakening from a "torpor" marks the emotional and psychol…
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Follow the arc while readingIn the story
Mrs. Pegler appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Pegler unlock in the free preview.
See Mrs. Pegler in XII: The Old Woman