The Hard Times of an Industrial Age

The fictional novel is often thought of as a means to escape the problems of this world. However, the novel has also been used to bring the ills of society to the forefront of the public's consciousness, forcing readers to the realization that social problems exist and must be remedied. Charles Dickens was a master of this type of novel. He possessed the unusual talent of being able to see both the injustices that existed and the warped aspects of man's nature that created them. With rapier wit and intelligence, Dickens was able to open his readers eyes to crimes against humanity that they had long ago decided to ignore, as well as reveal certain ridiculous qualities that seem to naturally coexist with the prideful nature of man.
One such character that Dickens created for his book Hard Times is Mr. Josiah Bounderby. Bounderby seems to be the ultimate warning against pride. He is pompous and afraid to learn anything that might topple his self-centered view of the world, proven by...