THACT: HARD TIME

Discuss the theme of 'UTILITARIANISM' with ILLUSTRATION from the Novel 

  Introduction 

      Utillitarianism is a simple philosophy , which  essentially boil down to one principale : Happiness and nothing but Happiness , is intrinsically good for human beings. 

    Utilitarianism is the Belief that something is morally right if it helps a majority of people . It is a principale invoning nothing. But facts and leave no room for creating or imagination . Dickens provides symbolic example of this utilitarianism in Hard Times by using mr.

  Utilitarianism with illustration

      

      

   "Hard Times" is a novel by Charles Dickens that explores various social and philosophical themes, including utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the greatest overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.

In the novel, Mr. Thomas Gradgrind embodies the utilitarian philosophy. He is a stern and rationalist character who runs a school in Coketown where he educates children solely on facts and statistics, with no room for imagination or emotions. This approach is a reflection of utilitarianism's emphasis on quantifiable outcomes and efficiency.

One of the key illustrations of utilitarianism in the novel is the character of Louisa Gradgrind. She is raised according to her father's utilitarian principles, which leaves her emotionally stunted and unable to experience genuine happiness. Louisa's marriage to Mr. Bounderby, an older man she does not love, is a clear example of utilitarianism in action, as it is a marriage arranged for practical, financial reasons rather than emotional fulfillment.

In this novel Dickens Shows how Thomas Gradgrind uses a utilitarian mindset to force facts in the minds of young children. “Stick to Facts” (1) Thomas Gradgrind says. Dickens use Thomas Gradgrind Teachings to show how facts alone are not enough. Dickens connives that you need other factors to consider when creating the perfect human. You need imagination, life adventure and facts alone are not enough.

As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the strict adherence to utilitarianism leads to a range of societal problems in Coketown, including exploitation of workers, lack of empathy, and a general sense of unhappiness. Dickens uses the characters and events in the novel to critique the negative consequences of a utilitarian approach to life and society.

  

Conclusion 

 "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens provides a critical examination of utilitarianism through its characters and the society they inhabit. It illustrates how an excessive focus on facts and utility at the expense of emotions and individual well-being can have detrimental effects on both individuals and communities.