character (KARE-ec-ter): a person who is responsible for the thoughts and actions within a story, poem, or other literature. Characters are extremely important because they are the medium through which a reader interacts with a piece of literature. Every character has his or her own personality, which a creative author uses to assist in forming the plot of a story or creating a mood. The different attitudes, mannerisms, and even appearances of characters can greatly influence the other major elements in a literary work, such as theme, setting, and tone. With this understanding of the character, a reader can become more aware of other aspects of literature, such as symbolism, giving the reader a more complete understanding of the work. The character is one of the most important tools available to the author.
Using the definition above, characterize Mr. Bounderby.
7 comments:
Jaime Carens
Okay, I don’t know if I’m doing this right, but at least I’m smiling as I write it. . Sort of, but I am writing on prompt number three…Mr. Bounderby!
Mr. Bounderby. Oh, what to say about him? First of all his name reminds me of Bunbury, from The Importance of Being Earnest, and the one connection I can make between the two is FAKE. I do not like Mr. Bounderby at all. He is selfish and arrogant. Not to mention a complete hypocrite. He literally lives for himself and takes no one else into account. I kind of felt bad for him at the beginning, or at least respected him, because of his poor associations, but he continuously squawks about his rising from rags to riches as if he were the most brilliant man in the world. I thought he was just really self-determined and wanted power. 'I was to pull through it…Whether I was to do it or not, ma'am, I did it. I pulled through it, though nobody threw me out a rope.” This quote shows his determination when he was less fortunate and how he did not let anyone stop him to achieve his greatness. Also he did it all by himself, so I guess that is respectable.
At first I thought he just wanted to set an example for others to prove anyone can do it, but his story turns into a boasting parade and soon I feel as if he is only telling the story to praise himself and bring others down.
His arrogance and egotism annoyed me very much, but the worst thing about him is that he uses everyone to his own advantage, not once thinking of the other’s feelings, and only because he is too lazy! He especially uses Mrs. Sparsit and Louisa. Louisa is such a sad character. Her lack of imagination is what submits her to this horrible life. You see her start to pull away when she befriends Sissy, but Mr. Gradgrind’s, her father, idea of “only the facts” continues to bind her to this nightmare. When she goes into marry Mr. Bounderby she knows she does not love him, but only wants to please her father. Bounderby also, although non-admitant (not sure if it’s a word?), to the fact, does not know what love is either. Louisa and Bounderby’s marriage is a fail, even before it begins. Once he and Louisa are engaged he tries to show his affection to her by showering her with fancy cloths and jewels. She is unmoved by these gestures, because truth is you can’t buy love. His character can represent the materialistic society of the rich during this time period. After they are married they do not even go on an actual honeymoon. Although I am not sure of the customs back then, I would like to believe it does not incorporate observing operations and factories.
Although Mr. Bounderby’s relationship with Louisa bothered me (maybe mostly because of the age difference…YUCK!), I think the way he used Mrs. Sparsit was worse. Poor Mrs. Sparsit. I think she of all characters has it the worst. Not only does she know what she is missing because she has fallen from higher ranks, she works for Bounderby, who turns her hard times into his joys. He is ecstatic with her fails because she is the exact opposite of him (falling from the aristocrats, rather than rising from rags), and he often uses her as an example to others of what not to be like. Mr. Bounderby is one of those characters you just like to hate. You want to respect him for his coming in the world, but he only makes you want to hit him on the side of the head and give him the wakeup call he needs. YOU’RE NOT THAT GREAT!
p.s. the squares are supposed to be smiley faces but dont format here
Kevin Guay
To start off, I could not agree more with what Jaime said about Bounderby being a fake. I also feel as if something is not right about this character. Take for instance the talk Bounderby had
with Mrs. Sparsit. When he describes his childhood to his Mrs. Sparsit, even she thinks to herself that he cannot be telling the whole truth. In my mind he is an unreliable character because if the other characters cannot trust what he is saying, how can I?
Mr. Bounderby also has a major influence in what other characters say in the story. Take his interaction with Louisa for example. When ever he is in the room with her she becomes very quiet and reserved. Her attitude with him is nothing like it is when Louisa is alone with her brother. He changes the mood of the scene from happy and pleasant to one of irritaion and unrest. Also Bounderby affects the actions and mood of his close friend Mr. Gradgrind. When these two men are together it prompts one, usually Gradgrind, man to look better than the other. Bounderby creates a competition between them that can impede with other characters. Bounderby also affects the specific scene of the book as well. If he and some other person were to be alone Bounderby will generally try to make the scene all about him. He wants to be the center of attention and does not care who he has to step over, except Mrs. Sparsit.
In my opinion, Mr Bounderby is a major symbol to the novel as a whole. I feel that he symbolizes the fruitlessness of the Victorian Era. His character shows that the rich are very wasteful and lazy. They are also very greedy. Take, for example the scene where Mr. Blackpool visits Mr. Bounderby. The very first thing Mr Bounderby says to him is that he better not ask for a raise. Now who, besides a very greedy and selfish man, would say that to man who justed walked into his home. He has no idea what Blackpool's condition is or even if he was going to ask that question. He just thinks that all poor people are needy and that he should respond by being overly greedy. I also feel that Bounderby represents the wasteful spending of the wealth class. When he decides to marry Louisa, for example, he showers her with expensive and lavish gifts. Many gifts are, however, unwanted by the new bride. Does Bounderby care? No. All he cares about is making Louisa happy, no matter what the cost is.
Dickens, the author of the book, uses Bounderby to show how low society has reached. In my opinion, he created Bounderby to make readers change their ways. Dickens knows that society is heading down the wrong path, and he also knows that if we do not change soon, the damage will be irreversible.
So overall, Mr. Bounderby is a very interesting character. One is able to learn a lot from him. I cannot wait to see how he develops later on in the novel.
Paige Hanson
Firstly, I have to say that I could not stop saying Bunbury, from The Importance of Being Earnest, instead of Bounderby similiarly to Jaime. It was sort of funny because I thought I was going to be the only one, but clearly Jaime was doing the same thing! So, for starters, Mr. Bounderby is completey self absorbed. He talks about his journey from being poor to successful as if it was the greatest accomplishment in the world. For example when Sissy is looking for her father Bounderby incorporates in life story in conversation: "I was born in a ditch, and my mother ran away from me. Do I excuse her for it? No" (32). He uses himself as an example for all the school children to follow. Bounderby is well known throughout the town and when spoken about everyone knows who is being referred to. Bounderby is very wealthy therefore contributing to his influence to the towns people. On page 13 Mr. Bounderby is first mentioned in a threatening manner. "What, he repeated presently, would Mr. Bounderby say? All the way to Stone Lodge, as with grave indignation he led the two delinquents home, he repeated at intervals What would Mr. Bounderby say?" This passage shows how influencial Mr. Bouderby is to the townspeople. He is used as a role model symbol for the children at the school.
As a character, Bounderby is one of the most talked about in the book. Bounderby also has the most to say about other people. He alsmost always has something to say about someone eles' life or actions by incorporating the "proper" way of life in his speeches. As of right now I do not really like Mr. Bounderby. I think later on in the book he will represent something greater; perhaps a lesson or such.
Michael Nee
The wealthy Mr. Bounderby is selfish and arrogant and represents the double standard between the rich and the middle class that existed in the 1800's. Mr. Gradgrind lives by the fundamental belief that one should stick to facts and not waste his or her time fantasizing or using their imagination. However, while Mr. Bounderby preaches this philosophy as well, he does not live by it with his marriage to Louisa. The marriage of a 50 year old and a teenager can only be contrived in ones own wildest fantasy. This hypocrisy goes largely unnoticed because of Mr. Bounderby's social class, and his inferior Mr. Gradgrind cannot oppose Mr. Boundberby's wild request even though he has a responsibility as a father to look after his daughter, because of this class distinction.
The hypocrisy of Mr. Bounderby is clearly outlined in his conversation with Stephen on page 72, where Stephen is wondering what the implications are in dealing with his drunkard wife: "If I do her any hurt, sir, there's a law to punish me?; Of Course there is; If I flee from her there's a law to punish me?; Of course there is; If I marry t' other dear lass, there's a law to punish me?; Of course there is. "(72). However, in Mr. Bounderby's circumstance he excuses himself for immorally marrying a teenager verging on her twenties. Mr. Boundbury is a truly despicable character created by Dickens to outline the issues of the times.... the hard times.
Shannon Temlak
A major quality of Mr. Bounderby that I detest is his tendency to judge people rather quickly. Despite his background of hardship and being about to make something of himself, Mr. Bounderby doesn’t seem to think others can go from “rags to riches.” He holds the belief that if someone is of a certain social status, he or she should not receive an opportunity to climb the ladder. Mr. Bounderby’s quickness to judge was first mentioned in Chapter 6, where he was depicted as being in opposition to Sissy being allowed to continue to attend the school. When Mr. Gradgrind proposes that Sissy should attend class, Mr. Bounderby says, “No, I say no. I advise you not. I say by no means” (34). Clearly, Sissy’s background has been affected by her father’s occupation as a clown in the circus, so she hasn’t received an education of “facts” as both Mr. Gradgrind and Mr. Bounderby would prefer. Due to her having a more imaginative mind, Mr. Bounderby does not want to take upon the task of teaching Sissy reason, at least not initially. It is hypocritical that Mr. Bounderby thinks it’s impressive that he could improve his life, but that he isn’t in favor in assisting others to do the same.
What really annoyed me and pushed me over the edge in terms of disliking Mr. Bounderby was the entire wedding description. His speech was entirely arrogant: “At the same time – not to deceive you – I believe I am worthy of her” (105). It doesn’t seem proper for a man to bluntly state that he believes he deserves to have a girl. The whole honeymoon aspect is dreadful. I agree with Jaime that it doesn’t seem likely that anyone, even in this era, would take his new wife to go evaluate a factory in celebration of their new marriage. Even if this was the norm at the time, Mr. Bounderby should be extra kind towards Louisa. He knows that she told her father that, “Since Mr. Bounderby likes to take me thus, I am satisfied to accept his proposal.” If he is as intelligent as he claims to be, Mr. Bounderby should realize that his new wife does not think romantically of him; she only consented to marriage to be closer to Tom and to please her father. Due to this fact, it is especially important for Mr. Bounderby to make her feel comfortable and taken care of. He can’t treat her as his side-kick!
I believe that everyone who has posted before me has, in some way or another, stated that Mr. Bounderby represents class differences and materialism in society. This seems like a valid point to me, as Mr. Bounderby both uses himself to demonstrate that social class is a major aspect of the time period and to show that it is possible to “beat the system." The fact that Mr. Bounderby continues to reference his past may be of slight annoyance to the reader. However, it does serve as a reminder that other characters in the novel may be climbing/descending the social ladder throughout the book. I agree with Paige in that Mr. Bounderby may teach a lesson, as Sissy appears to be going down a similar path to him. Self-determination is a prominent characteristic in Sissy, as she desires to learn and doesn’t like to disappoint others, including Mr. Gradgrind. In fact, Mr. Gradgrind takes note of Sissy’s determination in her studies: “I believe you have tried hard; I have observed you, and I can find no fault in that respect”(88). As Mr. Bounderby has done, Sissy appears to be putting in a strong effort to make something of her life.
Despite Mr. Bounderby’s arrogance and pompousness, I think he is a character who strongly contributes to making this piece of literature even more intriguing by adding a set of controversial values to the plot. I cannot wait to see how he helps to further affect the other characters, for better or for worse.
Mr. Bounderby is the most conceited and egotistical character in the book, and probably anything I have ever read. I honestly did not believe that it was possible to use the words "I" and "my" in one sentence as many times as Mr. Bounderby did. His "rag to riches" stories (as Jaime called them) were really bugging me and I couldn't take his words seriously. Not only do I not pity the fact that his Mr. Bounderby spent his tenth birthday in a ditch, or that his grandmother drank "fourteen glasses of liquor before breakfast," but I also do not believe that those events happened at all. If anything, they are extreme exaggerations. Self-absorbed characters are difficult to trust, since they tend to exaggerate their achievements to an unbelievable level. Mr. Bounderby is a conceited and shallow character whose words can not be trusted.
Charles Dickens is trying to send a message about all the wealthy class through the character of Mr. Bounderby. He implies that during that time period wealthy are greedy and self absorbed.
First, I completely agree with Jaime and Paige, while I was reading I kept on wanting to call Bounderby Bunbury. Then finally I gave up and actually called him that for the rest of the 105 pages.
Also, I agree that Bounderby is definitely a superficial symbol of the Victorian Era. When Bounderby was first introduced, I thought that he was going to be a quality character that would have a great success story, if he could make it out of a ditch and away from an alcoholic grandmother, then people like Sissy Jupe have some sort of hope to cling on to.
However, I soon realized that Bounderby is not a good role model for any character in Hard Times. He uses other characters to make himself look more appealing to whomever he is trying to impress. When the Gradgrind children are caught catching glimpses of the circus, Bounderby says that Sissy Jupe is to blame for the interest that the Gradgrind children have in the circus so that Gradgrind will think more highly of him.
Bounderby also takes advantage of Mrs. Sparsit. He is overjoyed at the fact that she is no longer a woman of high place in society, and does not fail to remind her of that whenever he gets the chance. Dickens even compares the relationship between Mrs. Sparsit and Bounderby to that of a Conqueror and a Captive Princess (42).
Coming from next to nothing, it is expected that Bounderby would have an ego, to some degree. It takes a great deal of determination and strength to overcome adversity, but it is not necessary for Bounderby to use his position of wealth and power over people who are in the same position that he was earlier.
Through his relationship with Louisa, Bounderby's social ineptitude is exposed when he attempts to shower Lousia with material goods. He tries to cover up the fact that he is unable to relate socially (NO KIDDING HE COULD BE HER DAD!!) by using the only thing he has to his name, money.
I hope that I didn't just repeat everything that everyone already said. I tried to be insightful, I hope I succeeded!!
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