A Comparison of Hard Times and Dulce Et Decorum Est

A Comparison of Hard Times and Dulce Et Decorum Est

It is amazing what we can learn about the different societies by studying the literature prevalent of their times. According to Michel Foucault, "Through language and thought, each period in history develops its own perceptions of the nature of reality (or what it defines as truth) and sets up its own acceptable and unacceptable standards of behavior" which he calls "episteme" (Bressler 242). Within the text of "Hard Times" Charles Dickens brings the reader an understanding of what was happening to the English society during the Victorian age. As we read this text we can have the opportunity to view the thoughts of the Victorian culture as well as view what happened at that time though our own.

The title of his story brings the reader to an understanding of what is behind the story even before reading the text. It is written in simple language for all to understand, those of the times, and those who read the story in the future. Dickens does not complain of kings who lack morals or knights who seek justice. He does not write of men seeking honor in battle or the absurdity of war. He writes in plain language for the common man to comprehend of a different battle than one might suspect. He speaks of the battle his society faces while going through the growing pains of advancing technology and it's effect on the people of his country. The author speaks of a city called "Coketown" that is being transformed into an industrial conglomeration from what once was a pleasant city of humans living and together to make a better life. When Dickens writes, "It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it" he is complaining of a vanishing beauty that once held this city and it's people in safety (Longman1828).

Dickens goes on to describe the city as having, "a black canal in it, and a river that ran purple with ill-smelling dye" which would bring the reader to consider the possible pollution of the waterway (Longman 1829). It is apparent by reading the comments of Dickens that at the time of writing "Hard Times" was directed at the cities governing body in an attempt at righting the wrongs of technologies effects on the city.