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Hard Times by Charles Dickens (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide
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Unlock the more straightforward side of Hard Times with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!
This engaging summary presents an analysis of Hard Times by Charles Dickens, the shortest novel written by the celebrated English author. It is set in the fictional town of Coketown, where the influential Mr. Thomas Gradgrind has founded a school based on Utilitarian principles of reason and logic. However, his reliance on these ideals is challenged when one of his business partners, Mr. Bounderby, marries his eldest daughter, Louisa, sparking a chain of events that touches the lives of many of the people of Coketown. Charles Dickens is widely considered to be the most significant English novelist of the Victorian era, and many of his colourful, vividly crafted characters continue to captivate the public imagination even today. His best-known works include Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield and A Christmas Carol.
Find out everything you need to know about Hard Times in a fraction of the time!
This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection
Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.
See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!
This engaging summary presents an analysis of Hard Times by Charles Dickens, the shortest novel written by the celebrated English author. It is set in the fictional town of Coketown, where the influential Mr. Thomas Gradgrind has founded a school based on Utilitarian principles of reason and logic. However, his reliance on these ideals is challenged when one of his business partners, Mr. Bounderby, marries his eldest daughter, Louisa, sparking a chain of events that touches the lives of many of the people of Coketown. Charles Dickens is widely considered to be the most significant English novelist of the Victorian era, and many of his colourful, vividly crafted characters continue to captivate the public imagination even today. His best-known works include Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield and A Christmas Carol.
Find out everything you need to know about Hard Times in a fraction of the time!
This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection
Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.
See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!
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Hard Times by Charles Dickens (Book Analysis) - Bright Summaries
ENGLISH WRITER AND SOCIAL CRITIC
Born in Landport (United Kingdom) in 1812.
Died in Higham (United Kingdom) in 1870.
Notable works:
Oliver Twist (1837-39), novel
A Christmas Carol (1843), novel
Great Expectations (1860-1861), novel
Charles Dickens was born in England in 1812 and was briefly educated in private schools as a child. By 1824, his father had amassed a large amount of debt and was sent to prison, accompanied by his wife and youngest children. To help his family, Dickens, who was one of the older children, left school and worked long hours in a boot-blacking warehouse. His father was eventually released and in 1832 Dickens decided to try his hand at writing.
The majority of his works were serialised in various periodicals and, as such, feature many cliff-hangers to entice his readership to read the next chapter. Additionally, he often drew inspiration from his impoverished childhood: for example, his father’s time in prison inspired the prison in Little Dorrit (1855-1857). Dickens was involved in many philanthropic endeavours, such as funding a house for fallen
working-class women. His works were often modelled on the
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