Hard Times

Set in a fictional industrial town during the Victorian era, the narrative explores the harsh realities of life under industrial capitalism. The story follows characters like Thomas Gradgrind, a utilitarian schoolmaster, and Stephen Blackpool, a working-class man, as they navigate the struggles of a society driven by facts and profit. Themes of social criticism, education, and the human spirit are woven throughout, highlighting the impact of industrialization on personal lives and relationships.