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Draw character sketch of Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle.

Mr. Hardcastle

Mr. Hardcastle is an old country gentleman. We find the following qualities in him-

His Civility-He is very civil. He welcomes Marlow and Hastings with great civility. He looks to all their comforts. He wants to supply all their needs.

His Patience- His patience is wonderful. Marlow treats him as an innkeeper. He sits on his casy-chair. He asks him to make punch. Mr. Hardcastle does not mind all these things. He remains patient.

His Generosity-He is very generous. It is proved by three things. He forgets and forgives all the mistakes of Marlow. He tries to help Neville have her jewels. He wants to invite all the poor persons of the place to his daughter’s marriage.

His good Nature-He has a very good nature Tony plays mischievious tricks upon him. But has no ill will against Tony. He wants to send Tony to school. He tells him that he has become a major.

His sense of Humour-He has a very strong sense of humour. This is why he puts up with all worries and troubles. He takes no notice of Marlow’s misconduct. He talks humorously to everyone.

His Love for his Daughter-He has a very deep love for his daughter. He wants to see her happily married. This is why he chooses Marlow to be her husband. But he does not want to force her to marry Marlow.

His Regard for Sir Charles- He has a very great regard for his old friend, Sir Charles. He wants that his friendship, with Sir Charles should continue in the next generation. This is the reason that he wants Marlow and Miss Hardcastle to be married.

His Love for Old Things-He has a peculiar love for old things. This is why he does not like modern fashion and manners. He say: “I love everything that’s old old friends; old times, old manners, old books, old wine.” He even loves his old wife.

Conclusion- In conclusion, we can say in the words of Forster: “The jovial old squire, has a love for everything that is old.” We also find him to be kind-hearted and good natured.

Mrs. Hardcastle

Mrs. Hardcastle is an old woman. She is above forty. We find the following qualities in her character-

Her Vanity-Her vanity is apparent. She has never been to London. But she always talks about it. She thinks herself superior to her neighbours.

Her Desire to be Young-She has a strong desire to be thought young. Mr. Hardcastle calls her his old wife. This makes her very angry. Hastings tells her that fifty will be the most fashionable age from the next winter. This makes her very happy. She calls herself too young.

Her Love for London-She has a very strong love for London. All the people of the country go there. She, too, wants to do so. But her husband does not take her to London.

Her Love for fashion- She has a very strong love for fashion. She dresses her hair in a beautiful style. She wears attractive clothes. She reads, the Scanlous Magazine in order to know the latest fashion of London.

Her Love for Tony- She has an excessive love for Tony. In fact, she has spoilt him by his love. She has not sent him to school. She thinks him to be suffering from tuberculosis. As such, she has tried every medicine on him.

Her cruelty to Neville-She is very cruel to Neville. She does not give Neville’s ornaments. She wants to keep them in her family. She comes to know about Neville’s running. So, she decides to take her to aunt Pedigree’s house.

Her Disappointments- Her life has been full of disappointments from the begining to the end. She wants to go to London. But she does not get a chance to go there. She wants to keep Neville’s jewels. But she has to give them. She wants Tony to marry Neville. But Tony refuses to marry her.

Conclusion- In conclusion, we can say that Mr. Hardcastle is not a good woman. She is very selfish. She has no sense and understanding.