Mr. Hart Character Analysis in The Dictionary of Lost Words

Mr. Hart is in charge of Oxford University Press and every stage of the Dictionary’s printing process. Based on the historical figure of the same name, Mr. Hart’s style guide, Hart’s Rules, sets the standard for everyone who works on the Dictionary. He is Gareth’s boss and often argues linguistic minutiae with Mr. Bradley and Dr. Murray. A demanding man, Mr. Hart’s frequent bouts of depression worsen when many Press men enlist in World War I.

Mr. Hart Character Timeline in The Dictionary of Lost Words

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Hart appears in The Dictionary of Lost Words. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Identity, Community, and Womanhood Theme Icon

...regards a debate about the word forgo between two men working on the Dictionary project, Mr. Hart and Mr. Bradley. Esme rides to the Press, observing the young men and some women... (full context)

...something to someone, regardless of whether they are written. Esme carefully delivers the slips to Mr. Hart , relieved to hand them over. (full context)

...it. Esme goes to the Press’s composition room and encounters Gareth. While he looks for Mr. Hart , Esme looks at the type Gareth is setting. The definitions for scold (a woman... (full context)

...young man. On one visit, Gareth discusses something privately with Dr. Murray. According to Da, Mr. Hart is ill. Gareth brings a slip to Esme’s desk for her collection: cabbage. He hasn’t... (full context)

...purpose in Oxford given her emphasis on “Deeds not words.” They pass the Press, where Mr. Hart lives. Gareth’s mother worked there too. Esme asks if he dreams of a different life.... (full context)

...are killed in the war. One of their mothers came to the Press to tell Mr. Hart . Gareth was setting type for sorrow when he heard the news—now he tells Esme... (full context)

More Press men die, sending Mr. Hart into a depression. Employing women to compose and print books is an unpopular idea, but... (full context)

...Gareth showed her her name in print. Esme keeps the book in her trunk. Meanwhile, Mr. Hart and Dr. Murray have recommended Gareth for officers’ training. (full context)

...he printed. He departs, leaving Esme thinking of the longevity of printed words. She visits Mr. Hart at the Press and asks if Gareth cast plates of her definitions. She wants to... (full context)

...in her grief. When Esme returns to the infirmary, Angus and Bertie have been transferred. Mr. Hart sends Esme two more copies of Women’s Words out of sympathy. He has stored a... (full context)