Hard Times
Hard Times by Charles Dickens is a thought-provoking work published by HarperCollins Publishers Limited in 2012. This UK edition spans 384 pages and is presented in English. Set in the fictional town of Coketown during the Industrial Revolution of the 1850s, the novel explores the stark divide between the wealthy and the impoverished, highlighting the social and moral implications of this disparity through Dickens’ signature satirical lens.
Readers will encounter the lives of siblings Louisa and Tom Gradgrind, shaped by their father’s rigid educational principles. As Louisa enters an unhappy marriage with the self-serving Josiah Bounderby, and Tom descends into villainy by robbing his brother-in-law’s bank, the narrative delves into themes of education, family life, and the mechanization of society. Dickens critiques the uncharitable nature of the affluent and reflects on the consequences of a life devoid of compassion and imagination.
Official synopsis Publisher
HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.
‘It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it; but as matters stood, it was a town of unnatural red and black like the painted face of a savage.’
Set in fictitious Coketown, England during the Industrial Revolution of the 1850s, Dickens wished to expose the enormous gulf between the rich and poor through his writing. In Hard Times, the social and moral purpose of his work is at its most evident. Openly ironic and satirical in its tone, Dickens suggests a mechanization of society, where the wealthy are ruthless and uncharitable towards those less fortunate than themselves.
Siblings Louisa and Tom Gradgrind are raised by their father, a harsh and pragmatic educator and his influence means that they go on to lead lives that are lacking in all areas. Louisa marries the arrogant and greedy Josiah Bounderby, ending in an unhappy pairing and the unfeeling and villainous Tom robs his own brother-in-law’s bank. As their father watches their plight, he realises that his own principles may have led to their downfall.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Hard Times” about?
Who is the author of “Hard Times”?
When was “Hard Times” published?
What is the ISBN for “Hard Times”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
