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Hard Times
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Check link for latest rating. ( 73,376 ratings, 4,824 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreThe Northern mill-town of Coketown is dominated by the figure of Mr Thomas Gradgrind, school headmaster and model of Utilitarian success. Feeding both his pupils and family with facts, he bans fancy and wonder from any young minds.
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Description
Hard Times is set in the industrial town of Coketown, where life revolves around hard facts and rigid philosophies. The town is dominated by Mr. Thomas Gradgrind, a school headmaster and embodiment of Utilitarian principles, who feeds both his pupils and family with facts while banning fancy and wonder from young minds.
As a consequence of this education, his obedient daughter Louisa marries the loveless businessman and "bully of humanity" Mr. Bounderby, while his son Tom rebels, becoming embroiled in gambling and robbery. Their lives intertwine with free-spirited circus girl Sissy Jupe and victimised weaver Stephen Blackpool, bringing to light the stark contrast between heartless industry and human compassion.
Through these characters' crossed fortunes, Gradgrind is ultimately forced to acknowledge the value of the human heart in an age dominated by materialism and machinery, revealing the limitations of a fact-based world view.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Hard Times by Charles Dickens is often praised for its critique of industrialisation and rigid utilitarian philosophy. The book's vivid characterisation and social commentary receive frequent commendation. However, some readers feel its narrative is less engaging compared to Dickens' other works, deeming it a tad didactic in places.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141439679
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 February 2003
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Introduction by Kate Flint
- Notes by Kate Flint
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 271g
Pages: 368
About the Author
Charles Dickens (1812-70) was a political reporter and journalist before establishing his reputation as a novelist with PICKWICK PAPERS (1836-7). His novels captured and held the public imagination over a period of more than thirty years. Kate Flint is Professor of English at Rutgers University. Her published work includes The Victorians and the Visual Imagination (2000).
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