Role and Concept of Slearys Circus in Hard Times

‘Hard Times’ is a Charles Dickens novel set in the social backdrop of the Victorian era during the Industrial Revolution that took place during the 1850s. The ill effects of Victorian Utilitarianism are upheld in this moralistic vision of the writer. Unlike most of his novels, ‘Hard Times’ is not based in London but in the red and black seemingly monotonous structures of Coketown. That being said, it still realistically allows the reader to observe the systems and structures of society forced to face various economic and social hardships. What preserves the novel as a social commentary is that the struggles in life and human emotions are still relevant â€Å"for these times†. The rise in capitalist ideals brought forth an age where the†¦show more content†¦Though the circus is a commercial enterprise, it still feels more like a family than Grangrind’s household will ever manage to. Mr. Sleary thus, acts as a protector and though he feels compassion for Sissy, he is aware that it is not economically viable for the company to keep her and therefore thinks of more suitable alternatives like her continued education. Unlike Gradgrind who condemns his daughter to an incompatible and unsuitable marriage. The circus as a whole with all its colours is a great visual contrast to the image evoked by Coketown. It is not shrouded by the by-product of its labour, like the soot that coated the city. The circus, here, stands for all that is loyal and free. Nonetheless, there is a certain disdain in which the gypsies are viewed by the â€Å"educated† classes, as Bounderby puts it – â€Å"we are the kind of people who know the value of time, and you are the kind of people who don’t know the value of time†. This is primarily because they cannot be restrained by the laws and obligations of society. Dickens reiterates his own personal faith in those people, like the gypsies by highlighting the presence of complete trust, emotions and faith as opposed to the doubt prevalent in most of society, even with all the privileges and high standards of morality they seem to possess. It is able to address issues like education – that is only successful whenShow MoreRelatedSignificance of Emotional Education in Dickens Novel, Hard Times 1911 Words   |  8 PagesSet in the ever shifting world of the Industrial Revolution, Charles Dickens’ novel Hard Times begins with a description of a utilitarian paradise cre ated by the illustrious and eminently practical Mr. Gradgrind, a world that follows a prescribed set of logically laid-out facts. However, readers soon realize that Gradgrinds modern utopia is only a simulacrum, belied by the damnation of lives devoid of elements that feed the heart and soul, as well as the mind. As the years progress, the weaknessesRead MoreLiterature in English (Exemplar Scripts)1768 Words   |  8 Pagesmaintaining focus throughout what is quite a short essay. There is some knowledge of the text applied to the task and there is a clear understanding of how the writer’s choices shape meaning – for example in considering the language of Prospero as ‘hard and strong’. However this is not developed into analysis nor does the essay move beyond the candidate’s generalised opinions. The focus though is on the ‘portrayal’ and there is a partial awareness of the dramatic methods: Ariel’s reaction influences