THE POLITICS OF PROTEST IN CHARLES DICKENS’ HARD TIMES

Abstract

Abstract This dissertation examines political protest in Charles Dickens's Hard Times. Dickens is often seen as a social critic whose works aimed to reform British society during the Victorian era. Reformation was indirect as Dickens used the sentimental tradition to urge politicians to improve the living conditions especially for orphans and workers. As many critics argue Hard Times is more than a literary work but rather a political piece though indirectly. In my analysis of political protest in Hard Times, I will argue that Dickens is influenced by the German political philosopher Karl Marx, theory of Marxism. As for the dissertation structure, it will be made up of three chapters headed by a general conclusion and tailed by a conclusion.