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GLENMUIR HIGH SCHOOL

Literatures in English – Unit 2

APPROACHING HARD TIMES BY CHARLES DICKENS

1. NB: As you read the novel, it is important to keep the pre-reading research in mind that relates to context, type of
novel and author biography.

2. Next, you MUST annotate and observe the following major features

 Narrative technique  Allusions

 Literary devices  Symbolism
 Language and diction  Understatement
 Use of descriptive language  Sarcasm
 Characterization and its significance  Allegory
 Thematic concerns  Plot Structure & Conflict
 Setting  Important quotes

Part 1 : Sowing

In looking at the structure, do some reading on the tripartite novel structure. Consider this as you evaluate the structure of
each chapter. Additionally, as the novel was originally serialized for publication to the masses, try and identify the focus
of each chapter or ‘episode’ in the novel.

Chapter 1 – The One Thing Needful

1. How are the author’s concerns outlined from the opening of the chapter?
2. Identify his major thematic concerns.
3. Which strategies are used predominantly in his development of the opening chapter?

Chapter 2 - Murdering the Innocents

1. Comment on the author’s use of diction in this chapter.

2. Another significant allusion is to Plutarch in the novel. Read the following below:

Plutarch Plutarch, Greek Plutarchos, Latin Plutarchus (born 46 CE, Chaeronea, Boeotia [Greece]—died after
119 CE), biographer and author whose works strongly influenced the evolution of the essay, the biography,
and historical writing in Europe from the 16th to the 19th century. Among his approximately 227 works, the most
important are the Bioi parallēloi (Parallel Lives), in which he recounts the noble deeds and characters of Greek and
Roman soldiers, legislators, orators, and statesmen, and the Moralia, or Ethica, a series of more than 60 essays
on ethical, religious, physical, political, and literary topics. (Britannica.com)

One of his most famous quotes is: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”

Recognizing the above, how does impact a reading of the novel Hard Times?

3. Explain the significance of the classroom episode and the introduction of Mr. M’Choakumchild.
4. What is the significance of the characters Sissy Jupe and Bitzer?
5. Comment on the line, ‘Dickens uses both subtle and not so subtle characterization in his novel’. Do you agree? Why
might this be a technique used by the author?
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Chapter 3 - A Loophole

1. Comment on the significance of this chapter title as a part of the opening of the novel.
2. What seeds have been planted and explain any evidence that shows that they have/have not taken root?
3. What is the significance of introducing Sleary’s Circus at this point in the novel? What does it reveal about Mr.
Gradgrind’s philosophy? What might Dickens be suggesting?
4. Comment on the significance of the setting of Stone Lodge.

Chapter 4 – Mr. Bounderby

1. This chapter introduces several key figures in Mr. Gradgrind’s life. Do a critical analysis of the character Mr.
Bounderby who is described as “Bully of Humility”. What might be Dickens’ purpose in this characterization?
2. Comment on the presentation of Mr. Bounderby as a self-made man.
3. Thus far, characters have been very precise and detailed; is there any significance in meeting Mrs. Gradgrind
whose Christian name is never revealed?
4. How is each of the Gradgrind children presented? Compare to the presentation of Sissy Jupe.
5. Comment on relationship presented of Louisa and Mr. Gradgrind.

Chapter 5 – The Keynote

1. Comment on the significance of the description of Coketown. What is the author’s purpose for this presentation?
2. How can this description of Coketown be seen as allegorical?
3. How are issues of class, economics and politics shown in this chapter?
4. A striking contrast is made between Bounderby and Gradgrind in this chapter. What is Dicken’s suggesting in the
presentation of these two men?
5. How is the world of Pod’s End presented?
6. What is the significance of the closing of this chapter?

Chapter 6 – Sleary’s Horsemanship

1. Comment on the significance of this chapter. What is the author’s purpose in presenting the world of the circus
folk?
2. Comment on the significance of the exchange between Bounderby and Gradgrind and Mr. Childers and
Kiddermister.
3. How is authorial intrusion presented in this chapter?
4. Sissy upon thinking she’s abandoned is encouraged by Sleary to accept the offer to live with the Gradginds. What
is Mr. Gradgrind’s motivation and what is the plot implication for this suggestion?
5. What is the significance of Sleary’s line in the closing of the chapter “People must be amuthed, Thquire,
thomehow”

Chapter 7 – Mrs. Sparsit

1. Critically analyze Mrs. Sparsit, including notable features and her symbolic significance.
2. Comment on the use of contrast in this chapter.
3. What seeds are planted at this point in the novel?
4. Discuss the significance of the closing of this chapter.

Chapter 8 – Never Wonder

1. Comment on the significance of this chapter title as well as the chapter in the development of part 1.
2. Compare and contrast Louisa and Tom’s feelings on education based on evidence in this chapter.
3. What does Tom referring to himself as a donkey and his plans reveal about the Gradgrind philosophy? How is this
indicative of Dicken’s concerns as the author?
4. What is the significance of the mother’s final lines of the chapter?
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Chapter 9 – Sissy’s Progress

1. Critically analyze Sissy’s progress as presented in this chapter. What is Dicken’s statement on education through
this episode?
2. Contrast the figures of Sissy and Louisa. What statements does the author make though the characterization of
these two ladies?
3. How does the author use Sissy’s inability to lose hope when her father fails to write to frame his novel?

Chapter 10 – Stephen Blackpool

1. Comment on the elemental significance of this chapter.
2. Why has this character been introduced at this point of the novel?
3. Discuss the significance of Stephen Blackpool’s and say how he’s representative of the social concerns of the
time?
4. What is the significance of his personal dilemma to the plot of the novel?

Chapter 11 – No Way Out

1. Comment on the chapter title and the events of this chapter.
2. How does Dicken’s use diction to highlight his central concerns?
3. Comment on Dicken’s use of satire in this chapter.
4. Read on economists Adam Smith and John Malthus. How does Dickens critique economic policy in this chapter?
5. How are issues of class presented in this chapter?
6. Comment on Bounderby’s comments in the second to last paragraph of this chapter.

Chapter 12 – The Old Woman

1. How is this chapter a departure from what has been previously presented in this novel?
2. What is the significance of the exchange between Stephen and the old woman in this chapter?
3. How is biblical allusion employed in this chapter?
4. Comment on the use of diction and satire in this chapter.

Chapter 13 – Racheal
1. Comment on Dicken’s use of characterization at this point in the novel.
2. How does Dickens utilize contrast to explore his central concerns?
3. Comment on the significance of the late night episode with Stephen, Racheal and his wife.
4. How does Dickens use diction in this chapter?

Chapter 14 – The Great Manufacturer

1. Notice the passage of time that has elapsed. Why has Dickens facilitated this time gap at this point in part 1,
recognizing there are two other parts to come?
2. Briefly summarize the present state of the major characters.
3. What evidence is there that seeds that have been earlier planted are beginning to take root?
4. Comment on the relationship between Louisa and Tom? How has their education impacted their relationship?

Chapter 15 – Father and Daughter

1. Critically evaluate the significance of the marriage proposal episode.
2. Assess the response of the proposal by Gradgrind, Louisa and Sissy. How does Dickens comment on his major
themes from the responses?
3. Comment on the closing paragraph of the chapter.

Chapter 16- Husband and Wife

1. How does this chapter serve as a conclusion for part one of the novel?
2. Comment on Mrs. Sparsit’s response to the marriage? What is revealed from it?
3. Based on the central focus of part 1, comment on Dickens’ use of the courtship to underscore his concerns.
4. How have the earlier seeds that have been planted evidence in this chapter?
5. How is foreshadowing illustrated in this chapter?