It's incredible how one moment you feel like you have nothing to do, and the next you can barely "hold on to your hat" for everything you have to do!
Since Kelly is the only one who voted, we will be reading "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens. This is one of Dickens' shorter works, but no less profound or progressive. It is a neat juxtaposition of the plight of the poor and working class against a backdrop of comfort and financial stability. As you read consider the following questions as a guide, but also look for themes and ideas others may have missed. We will continue to discuss the book at least once a week until it is finished.
Questions:
1) "Hard Facts" are the teaching of the day, but how does this philosophy play out in the lives of the main characters? Do they benefit, are they harmed?
2) Emotion, on the other hand, is downplayed as unimportant--the poor man's way of coping with the world. In what ways and to what extent are the characters moved by emotion, or devoid of it? What other conclusions can be inferred from their choices?
3) What motivates the characters to act, think, and feel in certain ways?
4) What do the characters' names say about Dickens' view of their character and purpose?
If you have other questions please submit them in the comments section, as well as any observations you have about the book. Enjoy!
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