This paper discusses the main themes and the main characters of "Hard Times". The author shows how Dickens presented
education
as a microcosm of the social picture of the times and how Dickens explicitly critiqued the
education system that existed in 19th century England, the
Lancasterian system. The author also explains Dickens' view on the Industrial Revolution that had taken root in England through "Coketown", a typical city, and the new breed of employee that had been born - the factory worker.