Past and Present

Exploring the contrast between a medieval abbot's life and that of 19th-century men, the narrative begins with a tourist in a serene English landscape before shifting to the St. Ives Union Workhouse, where inactivity prevails despite readiness. Carlyle delves into the disconnect between the human drive for productivity and the perceived value of work, questioning the motivations behind labor and profit. Through this examination, the novel highlights the timeless struggle between necessity and the meaning of work.