The Utilitarian Education System

Hard Times, written by Charles Dickens, was written during the early 1800’s- a time when utilitarian ideas were spreading throughout Europe. Utilitarianism is the doctrine that actions that benefit a majority and promote happiness are right. In the classroom, these ideas are taught through facts. This is similar to positivism, or the philosophy that metaphysical statements are meaningless because they cannot be proven correct through facts. Dickens openly expresses his dislike for the utilitarian education system in his book through the teachers, pupils, settings, effect on characters, and chapter titles.

The book begins with Mr. Gradgrind’s words: ‘Now, what I want is facts.’ (1,1 p11) It is a statement so clear and so plain, and perfectly describes Mr. Gradgrind in the early stages of the book. He wants nothing but statistics, specifics, and reason, and does not tolerate creativity. Dickens’ dislike for such teachers is clear in Mr. Gradgrind’s own name -the words ‘grade’ and ‘grind’ seem to be put together to indicate how he classifies everything and how he slowly grinds away the imaginations of the children. Also, his square-like appearance, such as the angular fingers and face suggest he is a rigid man who follows rules and regulations. Mr. Gradgrind is very impersonal with his students- rather than calling Sissy Jupe by her name, he constantly refers to her as ‘girl number twenty’. Similarly, Mr. M’Choakumchild’s name seems to be the words ‘choke’ and ‘child’ put together, suggesting that he chokes children with facts. In contrast, however, Mr. Kidderminster from the circus has a name that contains the word ‘kidder’. He provides children with happiness and a world fantasy rather than depriving them of one. This contrast hi...

... middle of paper ...

...ems as though the one thing needful is really creativity. The second chapter is called ‘Murdering the Innocents’. This could be referring to the murder of the actual innocent children, but also their innocence. Similarly, the book title, ‘Sowing’ can mean the sowing of the plot and the problems that will rise in the story- but it could also be clarifying the roots of the troubles experienced: the planting of utilitarian ideas into the minds of children.

To conclude, Dickens’ contempt for the utilitarian education system is shown in a variety of ways; through the caricature of the characters, the clever wordings of the chapter titles, and vivid imagery in the settings. Each was effective in conveying a clear message; that the future of the world lies with children, and if we teach them to be self-absorbed and heartless, then there is no hope for a better world.