Hard Times by Charles Dickens

Joanne Alfieri Professor Lanzetta Survey of World Literature November 8, 1997 "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens There are five major themes in the novel "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens. It's themes overlap as Dickens points an accusing finger at a specific time and place: England during the time of the Industrial Revolution. The wisdom of the heart vs. the wisdom of the head Gradgrind represents the wisdom of the head. His philosophy is based on utilitarianism, which …

…Louisa and Tom Gradgrind, and the ambitious sneak, Bitzer. The arrogance of the upper class Mrs. Sparsit and James Harthouse represent this theme. Mrs. Sparsit clings fiercely to her heritage and faded glamor. She is haughty to those "beneath" her and despises the efforts of the workers to organize a union. Harthouse is revealed as cynical and lazy. He treats his seduction of Louisa as a diversion, without thinking of the consequences of his actions.