Hard TimesThis story of class conflict in Victorian England serves as a powerful critique of the social injustices that plagued the Industrial Revolution. Always concerned with issues of class, social injustice, and employment, Dickens shows in Hard Times, written in 1854, a broader concern with the philosophies and economic movements which underlie those issues. Three parallel story lines reflect a broad cross-section of society and its thinking. This edition includes: -A concise introduction that gives the reader important background information -A chronology of the author's life and work -A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context -An outline of key themes and plot points to guide the reader's own interpretations -Detailed explanatory notes -Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work -Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction -A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience |
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Page vii
... such as hero Stephen Blackpool, who find themselves caught between factories and unions. Introduction VIII Poverty and poor working conditions are not the VII Dickens_HardTimes_i-xviii 10/20/06 8:30 AM Page vii Introduction.
... such as hero Stephen Blackpool, who find themselves caught between factories and unions. Introduction VIII Poverty and poor working conditions are not the VII Dickens_HardTimes_i-xviii 10/20/06 8:30 AM Page vii Introduction.
Page viii
Charles Dickens. Introduction VIII Poverty and poor working conditions are not the only problems confronting Blackpool ... poor and often hungry. Young Introduction IX Charles was also tormented by the thought that Dickens_HardTimes_i ...
Charles Dickens. Introduction VIII Poverty and poor working conditions are not the only problems confronting Blackpool ... poor and often hungry. Young Introduction IX Charles was also tormented by the thought that Dickens_HardTimes_i ...
Page xi
... poor with workhouses, a change made official in the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834. Workhouses provided minimal—sometimes very minimal—housing, food, health care, and education and work to the able-bodied poor. However, these people ...
... poor with workhouses, a change made official in the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834. Workhouses provided minimal—sometimes very minimal—housing, food, health care, and education and work to the able-bodied poor. However, these people ...
Page xvii
... Poor Law Amendment Act restricts poverty relief. 1837: Queen Victoria takes power. 1838: People's Charter petition is presented in Parliament, forming the basis for Chartism, a reform movement concerned with workers' rights. 1839: Privy ...
... Poor Law Amendment Act restricts poverty relief. 1837: Queen Victoria takes power. 1838: People's Charter petition is presented in Parliament, forming the basis for Chartism, a reform movement concerned with workers' rights. 1839: Privy ...
Page 33
... poor health!” returned Mrs. Gradgrind. “The girl wanted to come to the school, and Mr. Gradgrind wanted girls to come to the school, and Louisa and Thomas both said that the girl wanted to come, and that Mr. Gradgrind wanted girls to ...
... poor health!” returned Mrs. Gradgrind. “The girl wanted to come to the school, and Mr. Gradgrind wanted girls to come to the school, and Louisa and Thomas both said that the girl wanted to come, and that Mr. Gradgrind wanted girls to ...
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answered appeared asked Bank believe better Bitzer Bound Bounderby Bounderby’s brother brought called Charles Dickens Coketown coming considered dark daughter dear don’t door expression eyes face fact father fellow figure girl give gone Gradgrind hand Hard Harthouse head hear heard heart hope hour James Jupe keep kind knew known lady leave light live looked Louisa ma’am manner married mean mind Miss morning mother nature never night observed once passed poor present question Rachael returned round seemed seen side Sissy sister Sleary Sparsit speak Stephen stood stopped street sure tell thee thing Thomas thought Thquire took town trouble turned usual voice wait walk whole wish woman wonder young