Hard Times
Hard Times was first published in 1854. Set in the fictional industrial town of Coketown, the story explores the harsh realities of life in 19th-century England, focusing on the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and the rigid philosophy of utilitarianism. Through its vivid characters, including the stern Mr. Thomas Gradgrind and the compassionate Sissy Jupe, Dickens critiques a society that prioritizes facts and figures over compassion and imagination. Hard Times remains a powerful social commentary on the impact of economic and educational policies on individuals and communities.
