Hello readers!!
I am Divya jadav a student of English Department at MKBU. In this blog I will potrait the various important themes which we find in the novel" HARDTIMES" by Charles Dickens.
QUESTION:1) DISCUSS THE THEME OF "UTILITIRIANISM " WITH ILLUSTRATION OF NOVEl AND WRITE THEMS OF YOUR CHOICE.
ANS:
"Hard Times": For These Times is the tenth novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1854. The book surveys English society and satirises the social and economic conditions of the era.
THE CENTRAL THEME OF UTILITIRIANISM :
Utilitarianism" is a philosophical concept that suggests that the moral worth of an action is determined by its utility in maximizing overall happiness or pleasure while minimizing suffering or pain. Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times" explores this theme through its characters and plot.
One of the central characters in "Hard Times" is Thomas Gradgrind, who epitomizes the utilitarian philosophy. He raises his children, Louisa and Tom, according to strict utilitarian principles, emphasizing facts and logic while suppressing emotions and imagination. This approach ultimately leads to their emotional and moral suffering. Gradgrind's belief in utilitarianism blinds him to the deeper needs and desires of his children.
Themes in "Hard Times" related to utilitarianism:
1)Dehumanization:
The novel illustrates how a strict adherence to utilitarianism can dehumanize individuals by reducing them to mere numbers and
statistics. People in the town of Coketown are treated as cogs in an industrial machine, devoid of individuality and humanity.
2)Emotional Poverty:
Utilitarianism's focus on rationality and utility results in emotional poverty. Characters like Louisa and Tom Gradgrind struggle with their inability to express and understand their own emotions due to their upbringing.
3)Social Injustice:
The novel portrays the societal consequences of utilitarianism, highlighting the exploitation of the working class and the harsh living conditions they endure in the pursuit of economic efficiency.
4)Redemption and Change:
Through characters like Sissy Jupe, who introduces imagination and compassion into the story, Dickens suggests that there is a need for a more balanced approach to life that combines utilitarianism with empathy and kindness.
In summary, Charles Dickens' "Hard Times" provides a critical examination of
utilitarianism by highlighting its dehumanizing effects, emotional shortcomings, and societal injustices. It underscores the importance of a more balanced and compassionate approach to life.
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