Hard Times - Charles Dickens
Hard Times is one of the most important works in American Literature.  Set during an industrial boom in England, the book reveals a devestatingly honest perspective of community based on rational self-interest and capitalistic economics.  Charles Dickens's characters allow the reader to look beyond the myths and blatant lies of our 'civilized' world and the reality of our government and economics.
Characters:
Thomas Gradgrind Cecilia Jupe
Mrs. Gradgrind Josiah Bounderby
Thomas Gradgrind Jr. (Tom) James Harthouse
Louisa Gradgrind Stephen Blackpool
Symbols:
Coketown Sowing/Reaping
Social Institutions Self-Made Man
A project for Senior Perspective, Spring 2006
Michael Hopkins, Creighton University
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1