Montreal Dickens Fellowship Study Questions: “Hard Times”
March 1, 2022
Book II, Chapters 8 - 10, Book III, Chapters 1 - 2
- In the Victorian era, McCauley, an important man of letters, dismissed “Hard Times” as sullen socialism. Comment.
- Comment on Dickens’s use of bird imagery in his descriptions of Mrs. Sparsit.
- Compare and contrast the dysfunctional couples in the novel.
- Discuss Mrs. Gradgrind’s deathbed scene in terms of its sentimentality or lack thereof. Did you find her a more sympathetic character?
- Comment on Dickens’s literary genius as he combines suspense (Mrs. Sparsit’s staircase), humor (Mrs. Sparsit’s outdoors adventure) and melodrama (Louisa’s flight).
- What role does the weather play in this novel? 7. What is “The Other Thing Needful”?
- Dickens has been criticized for his unrealistic portrayal of women. Comment on this criticism in his characterizations of Sissy and Louisa. Do you think their reunion was realistic?
- Do you think Mr. Gradgrind should have confronted Mr. Harthouse himself? Was he capable of such an act? Do you think Sissy’s boldness and Mr. Harthouse’s meekness were true to the story?As a member of the aristocracy, Mr.Harthouse is portrayed as shallow, frivolous, bored, yet ideally suited for Parliament. Comment. Do you think there was any good in Mr. Harthouse?