Friday, January 8, 2016
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?
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There is definitely a shift in the novel with James Harthouse's arrival. Before him, we have only been introduced to characters who are rich and have strong utilitarian beliefs or characters who are poor. James Harthouse is rich, but takes no real interest in Bounderby and Gradgrind's politics etc. The only reason he's really around is because he is so bored, and wants to amuse himself. I think Harthouse will come to represent something, as Bounderby and Gradgrind do, but I don't know what. Perhaps the carelessness of the rich?
ReplyDeleteI also predict that Harthouse's decision to pursue Lousia will cause her to have a revelation of some kind. Perhaps she will start to feel emotions (because in book the first she was struggling) or perhaps it will cause her to fall out with Mr. Bounderby.
I agree with Fiona about the shift in the tone in the novel that comes with Harthouse's arrival. I think this shift tone is a case of foreshadowing that might culminate as a confrontation with Harthouse and Bounderbury or Harthouse will grow to be Louisa's true love. I think he includes the two characters because after being introduced to the strong utilitarian ideas of the time Harthouse and Slackbridge are welcomed juxtapositions to the ways of the world and perhaps how it will begin to evolve in a philosophical sense.
DeleteI think the factory meeting will definitely become a main source of attention as unionizing was a large concern of the time and also it could be a good way for the character's to express certain changes in thinking such as Louisa breaking away from Bounderbury. Also, I found Blackpool to grow as a character with his secret and I think Blackpool will be back in some form.
I also agree with Fiona and Max. In class we talked about how Louisa is clearly different from her father and seems to go against what he believes. I think with the addition of Harthouse to the novel, Louisa is going to start questioning her decisions and start feeling things that are not "Fact." I think Louisa and Harthouse will end up together or possibly have an affair.
DeleteI think Slackbridge is introduced to highlight Blackpool. Dickens writes the novel in a way that makes the readers like Blackpool and Slackbridge doesn't like him. I think that in some way Blackpool's importance will grow and he will play a larger part in the end of the novel.
I feel like there is a connection between Harthouse and Slackbridge, but I am not sure what it is. I do think they both share different views than Gradgrind and Bounderby and that they will definitely play an important part in the outcome of the novel, but I cannot figure out how they relate other than that.
I also agree with Fiona. I see James Harthouse as a definite foil for most of Coketown for he is rich but without the utilitarian perspective. I think that him being bored is significant in the novel because his boredom will most likely highlight the negative aspects of Coketown in a cynical way. I also see his introduction to the novel as an opportunity for Louisa to find herself and express herself in the very limiting town that she lives in. I feel as though his lack of interest in utilitarianism will encourage her to express her own dislike for the philosophy as well.
DeleteIn response to the unionizing meeting in the factory, I think that Dickens was trying to satirize Mr. Slackbridge's values for he was dishonest with not the best intentions, a quality that differentiates himself from the other Hands. I think that with this story line, Dickens will reveal his feelings about the horrible factory conditions that he was all too familiar with in his past. The realization that Slackbridge enjoys creating tension over unity within the factories also highlights his negative aspects to then create a negative connotation with factories within the reader.
I definitely agree with Fiona as well. There is a very clear shift in the story, as Harthouse brings a new type of character into the story. He is rich like Gradgrind and Bounderby, but he seems to be one of the only people in Coketown who doesn't strictly believe in facts. I think this is definitely going to cause some conflict eventually with Bounderby, even though they are sort of "friends" right now.
DeleteI agree with Rachel about how Dickens is trying to highlight the horrible factory conditions in this scene of the union meeting. Although Stephen Blackpool is shunned by the others, I feel like he has a good point about pushing their boundaries too far. He seems to be the only one thinking about negative consequences. I know this is sort of unrelated to the blog prompt, but I am really curious to see what happens with Blackpool after he is fired and leaves Coketown.
What I have discovered about James Harthouse is even though he is coming to Coketown to teach alongside of Mr. Gradgrind, he actually doesn't agree with Gradgrind's philosophy of fact at all. Yet he is willing to play it off like he does, which is quite strange. As the time goes on, and he begins to enjoy the political success he is getting, he starts to get a little closer to Louisa, since he has been spending a lot of time with her. The factory unionizing meeting is organized by Slackbridge himself, to help get the workers to go on strike against the factory owners. Because most people in the crowd don't appreciate the conditions of the factory, he gets a positive response from them because his tone demonstrates him wanting to "stick it to the man" meaning the people running the factories.
ReplyDeleteI think Dickens has included Harthouse in the Book the Second because he has an absence of mortality and these actions can be easily covered up. The behavior isn't excusable so Dickens does a good job of using him to show the problem with people like that. On the other hand I think Dickens put a character like Slackbridge in Book the Second because he wants people to feel sympathy for factory workers because of the horrible conditions they go through. Slackbridge doesn't have many redeeming qualities but the hardship he puts people like Stephen through by singling him out because he doesn't want to unionize, are supposed to get the reader to feel something.
Overall I think these two characters will play a major role in how other characters are influenced. They are both in positions of authority and have an influence and a voice over others so it will be interesting to see how they use that power for the better or for the worse.
I agree with Caitlin. I think that Harthouse’s willingness to agree to something he does not really believe in is definitely questionable. Though he does not agree with Gradgrind’s emphasis on facts, Harthouse does not necessarily align with the “fancy” outlook either. Moreover, as he starts getting closer to Louisa, it is questionable whether his intentions are genuine or manipulative. Moreover, I think Slackbridge plays a similar role to Harthouse. Slackbridge’s intentions are just as questionable as Harthouses as he seems to pretend to care about the workers yet is really just as power hungry as Bounderby. I think Dickens has included Harthouse and Slackbridge in the novel as a representation of the ingenuity of people willing to go along with ideas, such as utilitarianism, in order to be successful and fit in with society.
DeleteBoth Harthouse and Slackbridge act as politician figures. Harthouse does not seem like a genuine character. Harthouse acts as if he agrees with Bounderby's philosophies even though he seems uninterested. Furthermore, he gets bored of everything quite easily, and is merely in Coketown since he's bored. It seems as if he lacks any compassion/morals and instead focuses on manipulating others. He acts as an "agreeable demon," and pretends to befriend Tom although he constantly thinks of him as the whelp. Furthermore, in order to entertain himself, he decides to go after Louisa and uses his charisma and his social status/power. Dickens probably included Harthouse to critique the wealthy upper class and the lack of morals that occur as a result.
ReplyDeleteLikewise, Slackbridge is equally as manipulative as Harthouse. He tries to show that he is empathizing with the laborers and act as if he's on their side, but shows that he really wants to fulfill Bounderby's will and turn the union against Stephen Blackpool.
Both Harthouse and Slackbridge are used to highlight the negative aspects of industrialism and the corruptness of the higher social classes.
I agree in saying they both act as political figures, as most politicians will say what they need to in order to get ahead. Politicians in general act without morals, being on the side they need to to gain the most momentum. In this way, Harthouse and Slackbridge both act.
DeleteI agree in saying they both act as political figures, as most politicians will say what they need to in order to get ahead. Politicians in general act without morals, being on the side they need to to gain the most momentum. In this way, Harthouse and Slackbridge both act.
DeleteI think Olinah brings up a great point about politicians. I think bringing to characters to the story adds another tier to the satire of Dickens' novel. I believe through the characters he is demonstrating how far the corruption in society and in figures of power stretches. The manipulative qualities of both characters are commenting on how politics work in Dickens' society.
DeleteI agree with Kate's point that it adds depth to Dickens' satire. I think there is a bit of irony in the fact that Slackbridge, an outsider, is called upon to unionize the laborers at Bounderby's factory. And there is also an irony in the fact that Harthouse's personality makes him likeable yet he himself does not feel like caring about anything is a waste of time. These ironies help to highlight Dickens' satirical tone in the novel.
DeleteJames Harthouse is introduced as a wealthy man, however he does not believe in the same fact based knowledge that Mr. Gradgrind supports. I predict that Louisa may fall for him because she also does not want to fully support the traditional fact based lifestyle. Harthouse is an example that the utilitarian views are not essential to have money and be successful.
ReplyDeleteDickens’ past may trigger Slackbridge’s character in this story. I think he wants readers to feel sympathy for what he used to endure when he was younger in the factories. The union strike could be a message that Dickens felt as though the conditions back then were completely unfair to workers.
Twot characters show significantly different levels of social class. Dickens story most likely reflects on social class because he experienced both throughout his lifetime.
I agree with Caroline that Louisa will probably end up falling for Harthouse because of their similar views and also it is apparent that Dickens hints at his intentions towards Louis at a very early stage. My first impression of Harthouse is that his character is going to cause trouble in the novel because not only does he have somewhat opposing views as Gradgrind but he is showing an interest in someone who is already married.
DeleteSlackbridge’s character seemed to be similar to Harthouse in that they both have manipulative behaviors. It seems like Slackbidge is manipulative in a different way that Harthouse is and is very obsessed with idea of authority. It also seems like his method behind being manipulative is when he empathizes with the laborers even when he does not actually care for them. Despite the different social classes that these two new characters are in it seems as though Dickens uses the stance of the characters to highlight their effect in this period of time in the novel.
I agree with Caroline regarding Louisa's relationship with Harthouse. Louisa is constantly brushed aside and her emotions are consistently suppressed and muffled. I feel as though Louisa will experience a "breaking point" and will want to commit an act of rebellion. I think that Louisa and Harthouse will have an affair which will serve as not only a betrayal to Bounderby, her father, and her brother, but also an extreme shift in the plot line. This affair may tamper with Gradgrind's relationship with Bounderby as well as Tom's reliance on Bounderby's financial support.
ReplyDeleteI found the introduction of Slackbridge's character very interesting. The factory unionizing meeting ultimately lead to the overlap of the upper class citizens of Coketown and the "Hands" of the community. I believe that this initial overlap serves to foreshadow deeper bonds or relationships between the characters that may be revealed later. Up until this point, the two social classes have been presented as two distinct groups. I am interested to discover whether there will be uncovered connections between the “Hands” and the upper class. Slackbridge and Harthouse are similar regarding their outstanding qualities of manipulation. Both characters also possess different philosophies and ideas than Mr. Gradgrind and his advocates. The fact that Slackbridge and Harthouse are of different social statuses leads me to believe that Dickens is promoting a negative commentary on industrialization at the time as a whole.
I agree with Courtney in regards to the introduction of Slackbridge. The initial overlap between classes, I believe will return later in the book and will serve as a turning point in the novel. The two characters are connected in their manipulation tactics as Courtney mentions, and act as a tool to further criticize industrialization. Dickens continues to use satire in Book the Second (I looked at Satire in Book the First). There is a shift in tone and in satire techniques when Harthouse arrives however.
DeleteI disagree with Courtney in regards to Louisa. Because she is constantly brushed aside and her emotions are consistently suppressed and muffled, I believe she will experience a "breaking point" but will instead retreat back to her roots and find comfort with Bounderby. This could in turn spite her relationship with her father and her brother. Either way, I agree that there will be an extreme shift in the plot line, but I am wary to predict what may cause the shift because I feel that in this book anything could happen at this point.
I love when new characters are introduced because I find it fun to infer the significance of their names. Dickens names characters certain names for certain reasons and I find some of his choices comical. Harthouse reminds me of "Heart House," a place where Louisa could find love….etc.
Dickens' introduction of Harthouse to the novel surprised me. Although he is wealthy and an aristocrat like Gradgrind and Bounderby, he does not have the strict belief in "fact" like they do. He only wants to work with Gradgrind because he is bored--which I think may cause some future conflict between the two of them. Boredom is also his main reason for wanting to seduce Louisa, no matter how much it may affect her feelings in the end (because I think that she will have feelings for Harthouse that she does not have for Bounderby). I think Dickens is using Harthouse to emphasize a lack of care that the stereotypical wealthy person often has.
ReplyDeleteI was more confused with Slackbridge's character than I was with Harthouse's. It seems that Slackbridge uses his loud voice and extreme opinions to influence others to join the union. Slackbridge seems to enjoy conflict, and I think that is the main reason he tries to get the factory workers to unionize, not because he believes in the unity of workers. I think the purpose of Slackbridge is to contrast Stephen Blackpool, and Dickens uses Slackbridge to further characterize Blackpool. Blackpool recognizes the ulterior motives of Slackbridge, which shows that he has a good perception of others and he is not easily influenced by others.
I agree with Grace's interpretation of Harthouse. I noticed that he seems to have experienced every corner of the world and is still searching for another experience. I find it intriguing that this new experience is in a place so dull and grimy like Coketown. Second, Harthouse reminds me of the Buchanans and their capacity of destroying everyone in their path.
DeleteI completely agree that Slackbridge is meant to juxtapose Blackpool's character. I find it interesting that Slackbridge and Bounderby are opponents and financially contradictory, but have very similar personalities. Blackpool becomes sandwiched between the two characters and ultimately has to find a new life.
Parth, it is interesting that you bring up the similarities between Slackbridge and Bounderby despite their financial differences. They both seem to be driven solely by power and I believe that they are both intended to be detestable characters. I think it is really interesting that Slackbridge is meant to represent a sympathetic demographic but is still so unpleasant. The workers are uniting for a good cause that had to be fought for given the injustices of industrialism at this time. However, the union's leader is a face of greed and manipulation, just like Bounderby often is. It shows that these personalities can exist in all social tiers that greed is not limited to the wealthy.
DeleteAs for Harthouse, I thought he is another face of immorality and manipulation. He tries to befriend Tom despite referring to him as a whelp, and he pretends to agree with Gradgrind's preaching of reason. These characters seem to comment on the prevalence of greed and deception throughout all social classes. I think both Harthouse and Slackbridge will have significant impacts on the rest of the novel because they are in positions of power and I predict that they will both abuse the power they were given. This is true especially for Slackbridge. Even his name indicates that he is untrustworthy or incompetent, and he is in a very important position.
I believe that Harthouse is placed into the novel in order to chase Louisa, giving her a choice that will effect everyone around her. She can either choose to stay with Bounderby, who she does not love but will make her father happy, or she can have an affair with Harthouse, which would be the rebellion that Louisa has been searching for. However, I dont believe that Louisa will end up with Harthouse. I think that even though she is looking for rebellion, she has been taught the facts all her life, and they are instilled into her mind. Even if she wanted to be with Harthouse, I believe that the education that she received for years would be her initial thought, and she would/will reject him.
ReplyDeleteAs for Slackbridge, I think he is definitely a contrast to Blackpool. I think that names are important here. Slack is something that is loose, and a bridge crosses over something, like a body of water. Blackpool is a dark body of water. I think that the slackbridge for now is allowing people to cross over blackpool, and shun him, but later the slackbridge will fall, leaving everyone in the Blackpool. While this is worded awkwardly, I basically think that Slackbridge is introduced so that we assume Blackpool is shunned for good, where he actually is building up to the point where everyone comes running back to Blackpool
James Harthouse, a young man, is introduce in the novel when he comes to Coke town to pursue politics. He does this in order to escape the constant boredom that he faces. I grew to really dislike him as a character because he seems to lack passion, and as a very passionate person, I find a lack of passion to be rather insulting. If I were to guess, I would say that Dickens will teach a less with Harthouse and it will have something to do with his lack of Passion.
ReplyDeleteMr. Slackbridge, an orator, is introduced in the novel during a rally to unionize workers at a factory. I felt that he not only contrasted Blackpool, but that he also contrasted Harthouse. During his speech to rally the workers, I felt that Slackbridge was a very passionate man, which was quite refreshing when compared to Harthouse. I think that Slackbridge may play a roll in the same lesson as Harthouse, except he will demonstrate the power of passion.
I disagree with the fact that Slackbridge's character represents the power of passion. I feel that instead of unionizing out of passion, he does so to instill chaos in the factory. I agree with the fact that Slackbridge and Blackpool are foils, because while Stephen is diligent and peaceful in his work, Slackbridge is irrational and explosive. I think that Harthouse, like Slackbridge, is also a character meant to be viewed as a critique of humanity.
DeleteI think Harthouse’s purpose in the novel is to illuminate more about Lousia’s character. She will be faced with a decision between him and Bounderby which will force her to face her central conflict between living according to her father’s philosophies and wishes and following her rebellious, imaginative instincts. Though she will be faced with this challenge I predict she will remain with Bounderby simply because of the rigidity she was raised under. Slackbridge, in my opinion, is the counter part to Blackpool. Because Dickens has chosen the names of his characters deliberately I think “Slackbridge" and “Blackpool” also are elements of their characterization. Like their names suggest, Slackbridge acts as a bridge across Blackpool to isolate him. I think he relationship between the two is foreshadowing for how the characters will ultimately react to Blackpool (perhaps contrasting to how they are currently because of Slackbridge’s influence).
ReplyDeleteI agree that Harthouse contributes to the illumination of Louisa's character. Danielle's point about the conviction between Bounderby and Harthouse is an interesting one. I think it is accurate I just did not look that in depth into it while reading. The idea that it is almost two different sides of Louisa that each of the men brought out. I don't necessarily disagree with Danielle's idea of them foreshadowing future reactions by the characters but I feel as though that is not necessarily what will happen given Dickens' style. I think he is trying to lead you to think one way but will take it in the completely opposite direction.
DeleteHarthouse is portrayed as somewhat shallow and conforming to Bounderby's beliefs. In addition to the initial introduction of his uncaring nature, Louisa also reveals this; Harthouse describes Bounderby as "a noble animal in comparatively natural state, quite free from the harness," to which Louisa replies that "It is natural that you should [respect Bounderby]." The use of the word "natural" somewhat pokes at the idea of utilitarianism and a life without passions. At the same time, Harthouse does have some contrast with this; he clearly also dislikes the "harness" of the philosophy, and his description of Bounderby as an "animal" is also ironic. Finally, there are some hints of his attraction to Louisa as well, even as his attitude towards the others Tom, etc.) continues in its disregard.
ReplyDeleteThe name of "Harthouse" or heart-house may indicate this as well, as his name might indicate that he has such feeling confined and ignored. (?) His other name "Jem" or Gem is a somewhat positive description but also indicates superficial wealth, which is also characterisitc. I am not sure what "James" references at the moment.
With regard to Slackbridge, I agree with most of what else is said, particularly the contrast between him and Blackpool. The particular thing is that Blackpool references Slackbridge's separation when he speaks, affirming his status as a manipulating politician rather than a united worker. I wonder how Slackbridge came to represent the strike and what his motives are; they may prove to be for personal gain and power.
I think the introduction of James Harthouse is interesting. He is the first character that we read about not from Coketown, and his perspective seems to be different than many of the other characters. He is not as concerned with social class, or fact but more with filling up his time. I also believe, like many others, that Harthouse will lead to a revelation in Louisa. Hopefully, Harthouse will make Louisa question her father’s belief of fact, and her marriage. Although Harthouse does not believe in fact, his careless attitude makes me question his sincerity. The fact that he is working with Mr. Gradgrind but doesn’t really agree with him, and trying to seduce Louisa is concerning. As for Slackbridge, I think that Dicken’s wants readers to sympathize with the Hands, and their working conditions.
ReplyDeleteOn the outside, James Harthouse appears to be a handsome man with good social skills and good manners. What the people of Coketown do not know is that Harthouse has thoughts and morals that do not reflect his outer persona. His life philosophy is that there are no honest people and that everything is nothing. He believes that caring for something is a waste of time. Similar to Harthouse, Slackbridge uses his good social skills to create an appearance that is different than his morals. He blows everything out of proportion and does not know what he is actually saying to the factory workers. Both characters represent the difference in social classes during the time period and will come to be more significant as the novel progresses.
ReplyDeleteOn the outside, James Harthouse appears to be a handsome man with good social skills and good manners. What the people of Coketown do not know is that Harthouse has thoughts and morals that do not reflect his outer persona. His life philosophy is that there are no honest people and that everything is nothing. He believes that caring for something is a waste of time. Similar to Harthouse, Slackbridge uses his good social skills to create an appearance that is different than his morals. He blows everything out of proportion and does not know what he is actually saying to the factory workers. Both characters represent the difference in social classes during the time period and will come to be more significant as the novel progresses.
ReplyDeleteI think that Dickens included Harthouse and Slackbride are introduced to provide a much needed juxtaposition between Utilitarianism and essentially any other school of thought. I believe that throughout the rest of the novel, they will be essential in undermining and exploring the flaws of Coketown, Gradgrind, and utilitarianism in general. The characters will explore elitism and class divide of the time period.
ReplyDelete