Hard Times by Charles Dickens (Hardcover)

Description

“Hard Times” is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1854. It is one of Dickens’s shorter novels and is set in the fictional industrial town of Coketown, England, during the mid-19th century, a period of significant social and economic change.

The story explores the impact of industrialization and utilitarianism on society, focusing on the lives of several characters who struggle to cope with the harsh realities of their circumstances. Among the central characters are Thomas Gradgrind, a strict and rationalist schoolmaster who believes in facts and practicality above all else; his daughter Louisa, who is raised according to her father’s utilitarian principles and struggles with emotional repression; and Josiah Bounderby, a wealthy factory owner who espouses the virtues of self-made success but is ultimately revealed to be a hypocrite.

As the novel progresses, Dickens exposes the flaws and injustices of the utilitarian philosophy and the dehumanizing effects of industrial capitalism. He highlights the plight of the working class, the exploitation of labor, and the importance of compassion, empathy, and imagination in a world driven by greed and materialism.

“Hard Times” is celebrated for its social commentary, vivid characters, and powerful storytelling. It remains a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the struggle for dignity and meaning in a world dominated by economic forces.