Uttara Natarajan , Jolyon Connell (Editor), Paul Woodward (Editor),
The Connell Guide to Charles Dickens's Hard Times ((Advanced study text guide))
- ISBN 13:
- 9781907776281
- author:
- Uttara Natarajan , Jolyon Connell (Editor), Paul Woodward (Editor),
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Connell Guides
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2015
- Pages:
- 112
- Dimensions:
- 11.2 x 1.1 x 17.4 cm
- Genre:
- Poetry, Drama & Criticism, History & Criticism,
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 4 working days
Description
Charles Dickens's Hard Times is a novel that has sparked debate among critics and scholars. Some argue that it lacks the masterful characterisation and humour that are hallmarks of his most famous works, while others see it as a groundbreaking contribution to the English novel. In this guide, leading expert Uttara Natarajan explores the enduring success of Hard Times, examining why it was so admired by notable figures such as John Ruskin and George Bernard Shaw. Natarajan delves into Dickens's intentions behind this compelling and often shocking novel, shedding light on its significance in the literary canon. The name of the principal character, Gradgrind, has become a part of the English vocabulary, symbolising rigid adherence to fact. This study provides valuable insights into the novel's enduring impact and relevance, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Dickens's work.