Hard Times, Book the Second

As you finish reading Book the Second, explore the site Fact and Fancy from The British Library. Consider how the elements of fancy or wonder (circus, fairy tales, allusions, satire) have contributed to the idea of "Reaping" as the second book is titled.

Hard Times -Book the Second, Ch. I-VII

Based upon your reading of Book the Second, Chapters I-VII, examine two key events: the arrival and development of James Harthouse & the factory unionizing meeting with Mr. Slackbridge.  Discuss why Dickens has included Harthouse and Slackbridge in the Book the Second.  What impact do you think they will have on the rest of the novel?