Hard Times by Charles Dickens
Author: Charles Dickens | Published: 1854
Hard Times Synopsis
Hard Times is the tenth novel by English author Charles Dickens, published in 1854. He is known for his tendency to critique England's economic and societal conditions in his literature, and this novel is no exception as it contains that very element. In this novel, Dickens mainly focuses on the laboring class's challenges and the detrimental effects of a consumeristic culture.
The story is set in the fictional town of Coketown during the Victorian Era. The story follows several characters, including the Gradgrind family, particularly Louisa Gradgrind. Her upbringing has led to her emotional suppression, which proves to be a significant challenge for her. As a result, Louisa enters into a loveless marriage with the affluent industrialist Josiah Bounderby. The novel also highlights the struggles of Stephen Blackpool, a factory employee who endures harsh working conditions. The third character, Sissy Jupe, a circus performer's daughter, starkly contrasts the Gradgrind children. She embodies warmth, imagination, and emotional intelligence.
About Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens is one of the world's most beloved authors. His works have entertained and inspired readers for centuries, translating into many languages and becoming iconic films and TV shows. Born in Portsmouth, England, on February 7, 1812, Charles John Huffam Dickens began writing at a young age and published his first book at 24.
Dickens is best known for his works, such as Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations. He wrote 15 novels and numerous short stories, essays, and non-fictional pieces throughout his career. He was also a social commentator who exposed the injustices of poverty through his writing during the Victorian era. His characters were often seen to be underdogs fighting against powerful forces in society; this proved to be very popular with audiences both then and now. Find out more about Charles Dickens at sevenov.com.
Charles Dickens' Books on PageVio
Novels: The Pickwick Papers | Oliver Twist | The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby | The Old Curiosity Shop | Barnaby Rudge | A Christmas Carol | Martin Chuzzlewit | The Chimes | The Cricket on the Hearth | The Battle of Life | The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain | Dombey and Son | David Copperfield | Bleak House | Hard Times | Little Dorrit | A Tale of Two Cities | Great Expectations | Our Mutual Friend | The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Here's a full list of Charles Dickens' books.