Hard Times by George MacDonald
"Hard Times" is a novel by George MacDonald that explores the themes of industrialization and social class in Victorian England. The story follows the lives of several characters, including Thomas Gradgrind, a wealthy factory owner who believes in the importance of facts and reason over imagination and emotion. As the plot unfolds, Gradgrind's children, Louisa and Tom, struggle to find their place in society and come to realize that there is more to life than just cold, hard facts. The novel also features a range of other characters, including Sissy Jupe, a circus performer who represents the power of imagination and emotion, and Stephen Blackpool, a working-class man who embodies the struggles of the industrial age. Overall, "Hard Times" is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the ways in which society can both help and hinder individuals as they strive to find meaning and purpose in their lives.
By George MacDonald · First published 1854 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical · 160 words
First lines
I am weary, and very lonely, / And can but think -- think. / If there were some water only / That a spirit might drink -- drink, / And arise, / With light in the eyes / And a crown of hope on the brow, / To walk abroad in the strength of gladness, / Not sit in the house, benumbed with sadness -- / As now!
But, Lord, thy child will be sad -- / As sad as it pleases thee; / Will sit, not seeking to be glad, / Till thou bid sadness flee, / And, drawing near, / With thy good cheer / Awake thy life in me.
What this Textopian page supports
Hard Times is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1854 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Philosophical, Literary
- Length: 160 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hard Times by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in verse form, with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Religious — The themes revolve around spiritual longing and divine intervention, common in religious literature.
- Philosophical — The introspective nature and existential questioning suggest a philosophical exploration of human emotions.
- Literary — The emphasis on language and emotional depth aligns with the conventions of literary fiction.
Tags
Victorian · fantasy · allegory · morality · spirituality · imagination · childhood · adventure · social criticism · redemption · family · love