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Hard Times

In chapter nine of the second book (Hearing the Last of It), Dickens clearly contrasts the effect of Mr. Gradgrind¡¯s ideology with that of Sissy Jupe. Mr. Gradgrind has successfully transformed his household into a barrel of facts: one that appears empty of love and affection. He constantly threw facts upon facts on each one of his family members in an attempt to drain out every concept and feeling that defines life and human nature. However, during the time that this chapter takes place, Gradgrind has been away from his house almost the entire time. During that time, Sissy has managed to partially reverse that negative transformation. She represents the qualities necessary to counteract the dehumanizing, morally corrupt effects of industrialization and Utilitarianism. ...

Posted by: Janet Valerio

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