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3.33 AVERAGE
3.33 AVERAGE
what’s with dickens and men who are alcoholics and gambling addicts being his best written characters
in my dreams sissy and louisa are in love and run away together to join the circus far far away from bloody coketown
I don't think Dickens is ever disappointing. At times this book was a little slow, but I really liked the progression of the story and loved the last few pages! It makes me want to read more Dickens!
Hard times is more interesting than it is enjoyable and engaging. With not a very sophisticated plot and not any truly lovable characters, this book is more driven by the political message than anything else. Very explicitly, Dickens highlights the dangers of industrialisation and utilitarianism and emphasises the importance of imagination and fantasy in the industrial age. Though it lacks subtlety, the story remains intriguing in its own way, and I can't say that I disliked it.
Hard Times, set in a northern industrial town inspired by Preston, explores the lives of its inhabitants during the Industrial Revolution. The story delves into the contrasting experiences of wealthy industrialists and struggling working-class citizens. The plot revolves around the Gradgrind family, factory workers, and circus performers, highlighting the impact of rigid utilitarianism, represented by characters like Thomas Gradgrind and Mr. Bounderby. Utilitarianism is characterised by rational self-interest, an emphasis on facts and data, and the quantification of happiness. These characters, while not economically impoverished, reveal a different form of destitution- one marked by emotional and imaginative poverty, stemming from the exclusion of feelings, art, and creativity in their lives. Whilst Dickens doesn’t denounce utilitarianism, he portrays it as a damaging and dehumanising philosophy that leaves its mark on both the characters and the society they inhabit.
What sets Dickens' novels apart is the lasting impression they leave. They may not always provide the most thrilling reading experience, but the narratives and characters tend to grow in significance over time, lingering in memory. Dickens paints such vivid scenes and creates characters so tangible that it becomes difficult to hold any real aversion towards his works. I've often found that I'm not blown away by Dickens' novels, but I'm always grateful to have read them. With that being said, I’ll have to wait and see how I feel about this book; for now, it may seem unremarkable, but who knows, it might leave a stronger impression later on.
Hard Times, set in a northern industrial town inspired by Preston, explores the lives of its inhabitants during the Industrial Revolution. The story delves into the contrasting experiences of wealthy industrialists and struggling working-class citizens. The plot revolves around the Gradgrind family, factory workers, and circus performers, highlighting the impact of rigid utilitarianism, represented by characters like Thomas Gradgrind and Mr. Bounderby. Utilitarianism is characterised by rational self-interest, an emphasis on facts and data, and the quantification of happiness. These characters, while not economically impoverished, reveal a different form of destitution- one marked by emotional and imaginative poverty, stemming from the exclusion of feelings, art, and creativity in their lives. Whilst Dickens doesn’t denounce utilitarianism, he portrays it as a damaging and dehumanising philosophy that leaves its mark on both the characters and the society they inhabit.
What sets Dickens' novels apart is the lasting impression they leave. They may not always provide the most thrilling reading experience, but the narratives and characters tend to grow in significance over time, lingering in memory. Dickens paints such vivid scenes and creates characters so tangible that it becomes difficult to hold any real aversion towards his works. I've often found that I'm not blown away by Dickens' novels, but I'm always grateful to have read them. With that being said, I’ll have to wait and see how I feel about this book; for now, it may seem unremarkable, but who knows, it might leave a stronger impression later on.
I didn't think I'd like it, but what do you know? I did! The last chapter, especially, was so beautifully written; almost everyone got exactly what they deserved. I loved Mr. Gradgrind's transformation and was only saddened that Louisa would never get the happy ending she deserved with Mr. Harthouse...(I still don't understand why Sissy took it into her own hands to send him away.) Dickens wrote a phenomenal commentary on his society and I enjoyed it quite a lot. Thanks, Chuck.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Honestly, a bit of a snoozer. It's a somewhat stinging critique of Victorian English industrialism and utilitarianism, and some of the words contained herein still have shocking relevance in 2015, but unfortunately the characters are thinly drawn caricatures (none of whom are memorable, except perhaps Tom Gradgrind), the plot is hackneyed, and the ending is unsatisfying. Not one of Dickens's better novels.
I just struggle with Dickens. I'll enjoy it for a few passages, but then...eh. A Tale of Two Cities is the only novel of his that I've ever really loved.