Hard Times

This is a blog task on “Hard Times”, assigned by Barad Sir. “Hard Times: For These Times” is the tenth novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1854. The novel was published as a serial in Dickens's weekly publication, Household Words. The book surveys English society and satirises the social and economic conditions of the era. For more information click here. 

1. The theme of 'Utilitarianism' with illustrations from the novel

Utilitarianism is a theory of morality that advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and oppose actions that cause unhappiness or harm. It is a form of consequentialism, which means that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences.

Utilitarians believe that the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This means that utilitarians are willing to sacrifice the happiness of individuals if it means that a greater number of people will be happier overall.

Utilitarianism has been criticised for a number of reasons. One criticism is that it is difficult to measure happiness and unhappiness in a way that is fair and objective. Another criticism is that utilitarianism can lead to unjust outcomes, such as when the happiness of a minority is sacrificed for the happiness of the majority. To know more about it click here.

'Utilitarianism' is a prominent theme in the novel "Hard Times". This novel explores the negative consequences of an excessively utilitarian society, where everything is valued based on its practical utility. Here are some examples of this theme from the novel:

Utilitarian Education

In the novel, Mr. Thomas Gradgrind, a staunch advocate of utilitarianism, runs a school that prioritizes facts and figures over creativity and imagination. Children are taught only practical knowledge, neglecting emotional and artistic development. This utilitarian approach results in students like Louisa and Tom Gradgrind who lack empathy and emotional depth.

Factory Working Conditions

The novel depicts the harsh and dehumanising working conditions in factories, where workers are treated as mere cogs in the industrial machine. Utilitarianism in this context prioritises profit and efficiency over the well-being of workers, leading to their physical and emotional suffering.

Character of Bounderby

Mr. Bounderby, a wealthy factory owner, represents the utilitarian philosophy in his personal life. He constantly boasts about his rags-to-riches story and focuses on self-interest. His marriage to Louisa is based on practicality rather than love, and this ultimately leads to her unhappiness.

This is how in "Hard Times," Charles Dickens criticises the dehumanising effects of utilitarianism, arguing that a society driven solely by practicality and self-interest leads to emotional and moral bankruptcy. 

2. The views of F.R. Leavis and J.B. Priestley on 'Hard Times' 

F. R. Leavis - 

F. R. Leavis was a highly influential English literary critic of the 20th century. He was a great admirer of Charles Dickens's work, but he also had some criticisms of the novel Hard Times.

Leavis's main criticism of Hard Times was that it was too didactic. He felt that Dickens was too heavy-handed in his criticism of utilitarianism and the other social and economic forces that he saw as dehumanizing. Leavis also felt that the novel's characters were too black and white, and that the plot was too melodramatic.

Leavis also criticized Dickens's use of symbolism in Hard Times. He felt that some of the symbols, such as the circus and the Coketown horse, were too heavy-handed and obvious.

Despite his criticisms, Leavis still praised Hard Times as a powerful and important novel. He wrote:

Hard Times is a great and important novel, but it is not a perfect one. It is a novel with a serious and important purpose, and it is a novel that Dickens wrote with all the power and passion of his conviction. But its didacticism and its symbolism weaken it. It is a novel that is more powerful in its general effect than in its particular details.

Overall, Leavis's criticisms of Hard Times are that it is too didactic, that the characters are too black and white, and that the plot is too melodramatic. However, he still praised the novel as a powerful and important work. 

To read more about F. R. Leavis’s criticism click here. 

J. B. Priestly - 

J. B. Priestly was a prominent British author and playwright. His works, like Dickens’s, explore themes of Justice, Morality and Impact of societal changes on individuals. 

Priestly critiques Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times" and its reception by some admirers who view it as a political-economic propaganda piece. The author disagrees with this assessment, stating that "Hard Times" is one of Dickens' least worthwhile novels. They argue that the novel's political and social criticism is muddled, with characters that are caricatures and melodramatic emotionalism. The author acknowledges that Dickens condemns industrialized society and its values but asserts that this doesn't make the novel a masterpiece. They also argue that Dickens lacked sufficient knowledge of industrial England, and his portrayal of the fictional town of Coketown is superficial and based on limited observations. Ultimately, the author suggests that "Hard Times" is more about propaganda than creative imagination.

You can read more about his views here. 

My preference - 

I partly agree with criticism of F. R. Leavis. I too think that characters seem a little black and white and could’ve been deep. Moreover I agree that “Hard Times” was a necessary novel. Through this work Dickens tries to bring about a change in his society. However, I disagree with Leavis about the didactic quality of the work. The purpose of this novel was to teach people and bring about awareness of their contemporary situation. Hence, the didactic quality is justified. As for the melodramatic plot, we should not forget that Dickens was writing for serial publication. He had to keep the plot dramatic to generate interest and maintain the interest of the readers at the time.  

3. Comparing 'Hard Times' and Hindi film 'Tamasha'

"Hard Times" by Charles Dickens and the Hindi film "Tamasha" directed by Imtiaz Ali are two works from different time periods and mediums, but they share some thematic similarities. Here's a comparative study of these two works:

Exploration of Individual Identity

In "Hard Times," characters like Louisa and Tom Gradgrind struggle with their individual identities in a society that emphasises utilitarianism and suppresses emotional and imaginative aspects of life. "Tamasha" similarly explores the theme of individual identity. The protagonist, Ved, grapples with societal expectations and the masks he wears to conform. He seeks to rediscover his true self and passion for storytelling.

Conformity vs. Authenticity

Both works examine the tension between conforming to societal norms and being true to oneself. "Hard Times" criticises the dehumanising effects of conformity to utilitarianism. In "Tamasha," Ved's journey is about breaking free from societal expectations and embracing his authentic self. It advocates the importance of pursuing one's true passions.

Role of Imagination and Creativity

Dickens highlights the stifling of imagination and creativity in a utilitarian society. Characters like Sissy Jupe represent the importance of nurturing these qualities. "Tamasha" emphasises the transformative power of storytelling and imagination. Ved's alter ego, Don, allows him to tap into his creative side, showing how imagination can enrich one's life.

Resolution and Redemption

In "Hard Times," characters like Louisa and Tom find redemption and personal growth as they confront the consequences of their choices. "Tamasha" concludes with Ved rediscovering his true passion and pursuing it, suggesting the possibility of personal redemption and growth through self-discovery.

In summary, while "Hard Times" is a 19th-century novel critiquing industrial society, "Tamasha" is a contemporary Indian film exploring similar themes of conformity, individuality, and the search for authentic self-identity. Both works provide insights into the human condition and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. (Answered using chat GPT)