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 |
From inside the book
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Page viii
... woman he truly loves. British divorce law was being contested at the time, and Dickens—in an unhappy marriage himself—wanted reform. At the time, divorce could only be granted by an Act of Parliament, but change was debated both in ...
... woman he truly loves. British divorce law was being contested at the time, and Dickens—in an unhappy marriage himself—wanted reform. At the time, divorce could only be granted by an Act of Parliament, but change was debated both in ...
Page 5
... woman EMMA , a member of Sleary's Circus Troupe GORDON MRS . GRADGRIND, the feeble-minded wife of Mr. Thomas ... woman, withered, but tall and shapely RACHAEL, a factory hand; a friend of Stephen Blackpool's LADY SCADGERS, a fat old ...
... woman EMMA , a member of Sleary's Circus Troupe GORDON MRS . GRADGRIND, the feeble-minded wife of Mr. Thomas ... woman, withered, but tall and shapely RACHAEL, a factory hand; a friend of Stephen Blackpool's LADY SCADGERS, a fat old ...
Page 16
... woman, and had a husband— with representations of flowers, would you?” said the gentleman. “Why would you?” “If you please, sir, I am very fond of flowers,” returned the girl. “And is that why you would put tables and chairs upon them ...
... woman, and had a husband— with representations of flowers, would you?” said the gentleman. “Why would you?” “If you please, sir, I am very fond of flowers,” returned the girl. “And is that why you would put tables and chairs upon them ...
Page 24
... woman all at once. Her father thought so as he looked at her. She was pretty. Would have been self-willed (he thought in his eminently practical way) but for her bringing-up. “Thomas, though I have the fact before me, I find it ...
... woman all at once. Her father thought so as he looked at her. She was pretty. Would have been self-willed (he thought in his eminently practical way) but for her bringing-up. “Thomas, though I have the fact before me, I find it ...
Page 28
... woman that ever lived. If I got a little pair of shoes by any chance, she would take 'em off and sell 'em for drink. Why, I have known that grandmother of mine lie in her bed and drink her fourteen glasses of liquor before breakfast ...
... woman that ever lived. If I got a little pair of shoes by any chance, she would take 'em off and sell 'em for drink. Why, I have known that grandmother of mine lie in her bed and drink her fourteen glasses of liquor before breakfast ...
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Common terms and phrases
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