"Hard Times" by Charles Dickens

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes Charles Dickens' novel, "Hard Times", focusing on the concept of industrialization and the effect of this political and cultural change on the characters in "Hard Times". The relationship between the rational and the irrational that is expounded upon with the theme of industrialization is also examined. In addition, the paper shows how Dickens' portrayal of the characteristics of industrialization and of 'fact versus fancy,' seems to be a commentary on the British life at the time when British citizens were struggling to identify themselves and the nation as a whole was trying to reestablish itself as a significant country in the global market.

From the Paper:

"In the novel Hard Times, by Charles Dickens, there are several themes that work in conjunction with one another, and most especially are manifested in the dialogue and behavior of the main characters. One of the most important themes in the novel is the relationship between the rational and the irrational. This plays out quite significantly with Thomas Gradgrind and Josiah Bounderby. While Gradgrind is concerned with both behaving and raising his children in a manner consistent with the rational though model, Bounderby's seemingly limitless appetite for power and wealth contrasts significantly. These two opposing characters serve to show the extreme differences represented by Dickens in both the novel and of the time period during which he lived."

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