Hard times by Charles Dickens x

In this Assignment, I will analyse two chapters, of the Charles Dickens novel, ‘Hard times’. Hard Times will be stylistically analysed for speech/ thought presentation, point of view, Parallelism and Gricean implicature. The opening chapter introduces the first character within the novel, Mr Gradgrind the speaker in the extract and the patron of the school. The novels opening lines are spoken by Mr Gradgrind, ‘Now what I want is Facts.’ ‘Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts.’ The word ‘Fact’ is being graphologically deviant due the capital ‘F’ this allows the reader to focus on the message the speaker is trying to put across. ‘Facts’ are what are important and facts are what are important to Mr Gradgrind. The sentences are short and simple and the monotonous repetition of the word ‘Facts’ illustrates Mr Gradgrind’s mechanical and unemotional character. ‘This is the principle on which I bring up my own children and this is the principle on which I bring these children.’ This portrays the speaker’s way of life. He also brings up his own children this way and will continue this process with his pupils. Regardless, of who it is the fact remains the same, ‘Facts’ are what are important in life and facts are what Mr Gradgrind solemnly lives by. The lexis ‘Facts’ is constantly repeated to create emphasis and impact on the reader, whilst the short simple sentences contribute to his tone of manner within the extract.
The opening paragraph is presented in direct speech. According to Simon (2009) direct speech is when we report what someone says by repeating the exact words for example, ‘Now what I want is facts.’ The extract is presented in third person narration that allows the reader to develop a clearer description of Mr Gradgrind. Direct speech allows the reader to come closer to the character as the words come directly from the speaker himself. The character to an extent is making a personal response as he is directly speaking to the reader.
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