Abstract

Charles Dickens is a critical realism novelist and the greatest writer in Victorian England. Hard Times is an important work during his writing life. Dickens has criticized the utilitarianism prevailing in 19th century England. Focusing on the two typical followers of utilitarianism—Gradgrind, Bounderby and people around them, the essay points out that it is utilitarianism that caused the tragedies of these characters. 

Key words: Hard Times; utilitarianism; tragic endings

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction.1

2 Theory of Utilitarianism3

3 Utilitarianism in Gradgrind.5

4 Utilitarianism in Boundby.8

5 Conclusion.10

References .11