chapter 39 Jake is at his lowest point ever. Why does he put up with Harry Rex?

Harry Rex serves as an excellent sounding board, allowing Jake to recount his losses, painting for the reader the picture of his immediate and distant future as he sees it. Harry Rex is a buffoon, a comic character who hangs on Jake's coattails, unlikely ever to rise to the stature of Jake Brigance, and simultaneously keeping Jake anchored to reality.