Hard Times Hard Times by Charles Dickens was published in 1854. Dickens vividly describes the various social issues of his time and his critical outlook is reflected in the story. Unlike most children of the time, Dickens was fortunate enough to attend a private school. He wrote this story to express sympathy for children who have had to follow a biased education system that emphasizes facts and concrete logical thinking. Dickens shows his dislike of the system through the use of language, setting, and character development over abstract ideas and creative imagination. Each Hard Times book uses agricultural terms: planting, reaping, and harvesting. These names reflect the stages of Coketown's educational system. They sow facts and figures in children to turn them into good specimens, then they reap and reap the perfect form of those children who have grown up full of facts. In chapter 1, Book 1, titled "A Necessary Thing" which says what is most needed in Coketown: and his colleagues. A quote from chapter 1 (Book 1, page 11, line 1~8) suggests that teaching children only the facts is the principle he firmly believes in. “Plant nothing else and uproot everything else.” In this way he can completely exterminate their imagination. Some of the characters in this book have names that further reflect Dickens' views. For example, Gradgrind, by Mr. Gradgrind means to reduce something into fine particles. His desire is to reduce children's imaginations and turn them into carbon copies or robotic clones. Mr. McChoakumchild's Choakumchild means to suffocate children to torture them and kill their imagination. Dickens invents these silly names to tone down the sad and serious part of this book. Coketown in Victorian industrial society has the...... middle of paper......beings transformed into machines interrupting the development of emotions and imagination. These suggestions are quite evident from the downfall of Bounderby and Gradgrind, so caught up in being candid and analytical. Louisa and Tom are the victims crushed by the anti-fascist education taught by their father. On the other hand, Sissy, who grew up in the circus, constantly dealt in the fantasy world forbidden to Louisa and Thom. She spends a happier life, lovingly raising her children. It is obvious that love and warmth have enriched his personality. But at the same time, we must not forget that if Gradgrind had not adopted her, Sissy would have no guidance and discipline. His life could have been different. In conclusion, the only thing necessary is that both facts and dreams are important for a balanced life.