CHARLES DICKENS

Charles Dickens was born in Landport in 1812. His father was a clerk in the navy pay of ce,
well-paid but often faced nancial troubles and was even imprisoned for debt. Dickens studied
in Chatham until he was 12, after which he was sent to work for several months at a blacking
factory. These unhappy days inspired much of his ction, such as "David Copper eld." He also
worked as a law of ce clerk and later as a shorthand reporter in Parliament.
Dickens's career as a writer began in 1833 when he adopted the pen name "Boz." His rst
signi cant work is "The Pickwick Papers," where he reveals his humorous and satirical
qualities. He started to write numerous novels, with the most famous being "Oliver Twist,"
which depicts the growth of a poor boy into a gentleman. Dickens, with his novels, aimed to
raise awareness of social issues among the ruling classes without inciting rebellion, using his
novels to acquaint wealthier readers with the struggles of their less fortunate neighbors.

LONDON
Dickens sets his novels in London and showed an evolving social perspective, criticizing the
spiritual and material corruption of everyday life due to industrialization. His works speak
about the abuses and wrongs of society, about London's crime with funny sketches, which
re ected his deep knowledge of the city.

HARD TIMES
"Hard Times" from 1854 addresses social issues such as education for the poor and class
division in the ctional town of Coketown, the novel is told in the third person by an
omniscient narrator. Thomas Gradgrind, a wealthy retired merchant, embodies a philosophy of
rationalism, self-interest and facts. As in many other works, Dickens recounts the social realities
of the time.
COKETOWN
"Coketown, depicted in 'Hard Times,' is a grim, industrial settlement devoid of imagination,
dominated by utilitarianism. The town is characterized by red and black buildings, stained by
smoke and ashes, with tall chimneys emitting perpetual serpentine smoke. It features
machinery, a black canal, and a purple river polluted by dye. The monotonous daily lives of its
inhabitants, engaged in repetitive work, re ect a lack of variety and individuality. Even
religious buildings are utilitarian, except for the ornate New Church. The pervasive theme is
'fact' in both the physical and abstract aspects of the town, emphasizing a soulless pursuit of
industrial progress and materialism.”

DIALOGO
Thomas Gradgrind is a rigid man who embraces the certainty of facts and calculations, insisting
on the principle that two plus two always equals four. He brings with him measurement tools to
apply this logic to every aspect of human life. In his presentation he asserts himself with
authority, describing himself as a cannon loaded with facts ready to erase every trace of
imagination in young minds.
His vision of students is that of containers to be lled exclusively with facts, excluding
imagination and creativity. At one speci c moment, he focuses on a young student, Sissy Jupe,
and disapprovingly insists that she change her name to “Cecilia." Gradgrind also disapproves of
Sissy's father's work, especially its association with horse riding.
Mr. Gradgrind questions Sissy Jupe about her father's occupation as a horsebreaker. However,
she struggles to provide a clear de nition of a horse. Mr. Gradgrind then turns to Bitzer for a
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 more precise answer. Bitzer, gives a detailed and factual de nition of a horse, showcasing his
education in the utilitarian principles of facts and practical knowledge. Sissy, on the other hand,
is described as being thrown into alarm by the demand for a de nition and appears uneasy
throughout the interaction. The scene takes place in a classroom where the students are
arranged in two groups, and Bitzer stands out for his ability to provide the required information
in a concise and factual manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS IN THE VICTORIAN ERA

During the Victorian era, despite positive reforms such as the Industrial Revolution, working
conditions worsened. Marshalsea Prison in south London, housed debtors, including Charles
Dickens' father, John. Conditions in the prison were cramped, and inmates had to pay rent,
food, and legal services, further increasing their debts. Children often worked to pay off their
families' debts, contributing to a cycle of poverty.
Marshalsea Prison and other institutions intended to assist the poor, often became places of
cruelty rather than support.
Child labor was widespread, with children forced to work in dangerous mines and factories for
long hours. Industrialization led to increased pollution, damaging the health of workers. Only
over time, thanks to government action and the emergence of trade unions, did conditions
improve with laws such as the Mines Act. However, social challenges persisted, with the
working class plagued by poverty, workhouses and class inequalities. Dickens' novels re ected
this harsh reality. Initiatives such as Dickens' Urania Cottage sought to support women in
dif culty.
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