If your last name starts with letters S-Z (Hard Times p. 218-278)
Look at the titles of each chapter...
Are they significant? Why/why not? What would Dickens choose to title each chapter as such? Is there a significance to not only what they say, but how little they say?
9 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Danielle Watkins
The titles of each chapter do not seem significant in the first part because they simply describe the chapter in clear terms. For example, if you read “Sissy’s Progress”, you know the chapter is going to discuss how Sissy is moving along. As you progress further into the second part and into the third part, the titles have more significance because they are more symbolic than before. “Mrs. Sparsit’s Staircase”, for example, is not about a literal staircase, but rather about how Mrs. Sparsit is spiraling down into an obsession with Louisa’s relationships. The section titles are important as well and I think Dickens chose to make the chapter titles more complex as he got further in the story because of these main titles: sowing, reaping, and garnering. The end of the harvest and what you gather from it is more important than the beginning, just as the story becomes more complex as it moves along. Still, the titles are simple for they are either literal or symbolic and the fact that they say little is important because the reader gets an idea about what the chapter holds, but must read the chapter to gain full understanding of the titles, especially with the more intricate ones.
I feel that the titles of each chapter are important because they imply a meaning to each chapter and one can connect the title to the chapter after reading. The title "Lost" implies that something or someone will be lost. In this case it is Stephen Blackpool who is lost as nobody can find him. The next chapter, titled "Found", would make the reader predict that Stephen was found but in fact it is Mrs. Pegler who is found and Mr. Bounderby's past that is finally found out. The short titles are significant because they hint at what the chapter may be about but also leave something to be imagined. Dickens does a good job of using titles to describe the chapter while allowing the reader to find out the true meaning of it.
I agree with Danielle. The first book's chapters seem to be like exposition, setting the scene, the cast, and the relationships between said characters. Although a few of the chapter titles add characterization, such as "No Way Out", which describes how Stephen Blackpool is trapped in his terrible marriage by the restrictions of society, and "Never Wonder", which is Mr. Gradgrind's core philosophy on life, for the most part they are exactly what they seem to be. The first two titles "The One Thing Needful" and "Murdering the Innocents" do announce two major themes of the book, which are tied together at the end, as book 3's first chapter is titled "Another Thing Needful"; if you read the first chapter and then skim through the table of contents, it provides foreshadowing that certain characters will find that more than Fact is necessary. The "Murdering of the Innocents" contributes to this theme, since Dickens argues that by providing children with bread alone for the soul, you are killing their childhood innocence, a time period where they are allowed to nourish dreams that will provide them hope and spirit later on when they have none.
I was puzzled by why Dicks decided that "Sleary's Horsemanship" deserved a chapter title, until I looked back: it symbolized how Sleary guided Sissy towards the Gradgrinds' care, like children should be cared for--in contrast to Mr. Gradgrind's system of "Murdering the Innocents". I agree with Beau that the simplicity of the titles are purposeful, to leave things be imagined and guessed at: this ties in with Dicken's theme of the necessity of imagination. If he presented all the Facts directly in the title, there would be little room for imagination.
There is a definitely a pattern among the titles, and a sense of meaningful progression: chapters 10-12 are titled "Mrs. Sparsit's Staircase", then "Lower and Lower", and finally, "Down" as Louisa hits rock bottom. It is also notable how Dicks juxtaposes the title names "Men and Brothers" with "Men and Masters" to emphasize the contrast between the two relationships; the first features the speech from the union instigator to the workers, and the second is Mr. Bounderby giving a talk-to to Stephen. The chapter "Fading Away" describes Stephen's departure from the town, but also foreshadows his later disappearance.
On a perhaps seemingly-unrelated note, I thought it was interesting how Dickens left the ending with everyone "seeing" into their future, particularly with Louisa continuing to stare into the fire of her unknown future, then ending his novel with the line "We shall sit with lighter bosoms on the hearth, to see the ashes of our fires turn grey and cold" (287). I am uncertain what he is implying with it, but maybe he is talking about death? (I'd prefer to think that then to that he just means we'll watch our futures and dreams die...) It is certainly one of the better endings that I have read in English class, as everything ties together in the end consistently with its themes.
(I'm just upset that Louisa didn't end up with Mr. Harthouse...sigh...!)
The titles to the chapters were clearly chosen by Dickens to give symbolic meaning to each of the sections within his novel, "Hard Times". Like many authors, Dickens uses the names of his chapters as a way of foreshadowing upcoming events within the next segment of reading, but the amount of analyzation and forethought that went into the naming of these chapters so as to make the reader simultaneously speculating as to approaching events and analyzing the meanings of the enigmaticly short chapter names serves to distinguish the author as a literary genius. For example, the chapter "Found" can be seen as having a dual meaning relating to the physical finding of Stephen Blacpool, and the symbolic unveiling of Josiah Bounderby as nothing more than a blustering fool. It must also be seen that many of the chapters appear in matiching pains, "Lost" and "Found" for example, and the staggered nature of the book's publication could be a possible reason for this. Similarly, the enigmatically short chapter names may have served to draw readers in, and make them want to continue to read the novel as different chapters continued to be published.
The titles of these chapters present literal meanings for the most part. In the first book, the titles are pretty self explanatory like Danielle and Esther mentioned. For example, they are named after characters such as Stephen Blackpool, Mrs,Sparsit, Rachel, and Mr.Bounderby. These provide hints that the chapter will discuss certain issues surrounding the characters or their perspective on an event. The chapters also pertain to relationships such as "Father and Daughter" and "Husband and Wife." These relationships are important in the first book because they challenge the Fact and explore the way people truly act. The chpater titles in the second book also reflect the characters, but go a step further in discussing their movement away from strict Fact. Titles such as,"Mrs. Sparsit's Staircase", "Lower and Lower", and "Down" represent Mrs. Sparsits changing emotions and involvement with Louisa and her relationships. In book three the titles reflect the events that are effecting all of the characters and how the disappearance of Stephen Blackpool makes certain characters react. Titles like, "Very Ridiculous" and "Very Decided" correspond to the motions surrounding Stephen Blackpool. The fact that the titles are short gives the reader a hint of what is to come and the theme for the chapter, but also allows them to think about how the chapter relates to the recent events and how that relates to the story as a whole.
Look at the titles of each chapter... Are they significant? Why/why not? What would Dickens choose to title each chapter as such? Is there a significance to not only what they say, but how little they say?
I agree with Ester and Danielle in some perspectives, and Beau in others.. so i guess i have my own thoughts. I feel as though the titles become more involved with the story as the story continues as oppose to being blunt about the topic of the chapter. Each title seems to appear to be quite stark when first read, but throughout the story, a previous title developes into a story after it has been used. Murdering the Innocents seems to have nothing really to do with the chapter, unless analyzed as Mr.Gradgrind murders the innocence of little children by not allowing them to imagine. Quite frankly i think that the title of each chapter displays what the reader should get from the chapter, but might not get because they dont know whats going to happen. I seem to be changing my mind as i write this. I think that because Dickens knows how the story is going to be played out, he names the chapters subconciously not realizing the reader says what the heck? I can relate to this because sometimes i dont write things, because i assume that people understand my method of thinking. Dickens uses interesting titles, but then brings the creativity down by naming a title Mr.Bounderby or Mrs.Sparsit. Looking at the titles some of them actually create a story .. "The One Thing Needful" of "Murdering the Innocents", something, "A Loophole". nevermind fail. The shortness of each title, i dont think really has a significance other than it is a title, and titles should be short. for any title one has to create an overall topic of what the chapter/paper/story is about, and i believe Dickens does this by either using names, imagery such as gunpowder or explosion, or just gives a summary.
There is major significance within the chapter titles that Dickens uses. They are used in a variety of ways including theme characterization, and foreshadowing.
Ex. The Chapter "Very Ridiculous" relates to Harthouse as he is leaving as he is quoted as saying, "I must not only regard myself as being in a very ridiculous position but as being vanquished at all points." (226) This shows that he even recognizes that the situation of leaving that he has put himself into is a fickle one since he does not fully embrace the idea.
The Fourth chapter "Lost" has deeper implications than just the whereabouts of Blackpool since that is who is being searched for in the chapter. Rather, Bounderby too can be seen as lost as he is in a struggle to find Blackpool and is getting caught up in his attempt to frame him. Rachael also feels lost as she no longer has a connection to Stephen through her letters.
And the foreshadowing is present in the titles "Starlight" and "whelp-hunting" like haven said. Light is a symbol not only for Stephen's survival as he tries to make it out of the mine but also for the hope of society to come and better itself from its current state. "Whelp-hunting" is rather self explanatory as the focus of the chapter is the search for tom. Lane
The last chapter titled "Final" is very appropriate as it is the final chapter of the book. Dicken's clearly used alot of meaning and insight behind it.
These chapter titles really do speak volumes about the section of reading and the book as a whole as just the one to two words set the stage for the pages to come.
The titles of each chapter are certainly significant to the novel, to the specific sections of the plot they label and as a whole. I have actively been taking notes while reading this novel, so I have about 28 full pages filled with information that I find important to jot down. It is quite intriguing that Dickens is able to use a simple word or phrase to creatively sum up the vast amount of activity that takes place in the plot. I’ve noticed that the titles in Book 1 of the novel generally pertain to specific characters or relationships between various characters. Some examples of these titles are: “Mr. Bounderby,” “Rachael,” “Husband and Wife,” and “Father and Daughter.” These titles emphasize the fact that readers will gain knowledge as to what the characters’ background and/or personalities are while reading that particular chapter. When reading the title “Husband and Wife,” the reader should make the connection that the chapter will be about the altered relationship between Mr. Boundery and Louisa. The first few titles in Book 2 serve a similar purpose as they do in Book 1: they bring attention to a specific character or relationship. Dickens uses adjectives in his titles to describe the characters. “The Whelp,” for example, refers to Tom. “Men and Masters,” is a reference to the relationship between Mr. Bounderby and the Hands, specifically Steven Blackpool. Later in Book 2, Dickens is more apt to use metaphors in his titles to sum up the action of each section. For example, Dickens refers to Mrs. Sparsit waiting for Louisa to make a mistake in her marriage by taking James Harthouse as her lover. The title, “Mrs. Sparsit’s Staircase” symbolizes the woman’s desire to see Louisa continue to descend towards a pit of gloom. The titles that follow, “Lower and Lower” and “Down,” are extensions of the staircase metaphor. Dickens’ use of metaphorical language in his titles gives the reader a way to determine if he is correctly analyzing the plot. The creativity of the titles’ wording further helps to make the reading of the plot interesting. I must say, looking at the titles was one of my most favorite part of reading Hard Times, as I have an appreciation for figurative language and word play. The titles in Book 3 draw attention to the main events in the chapters. In “Whelp-Hunting,” Mr. Gradgrind, Louisa, Sissy, and Bitzer all search for Tom (the whelp). As I go through my notes, I can see that the titles of each chapter are significant to the work as a whole. The titles sufficiently describe their corresponding chapter, because, by simply just reading the titles, I can get a sense as to what events chronologically occur throughout the entire novel.
The chapter titles are a double-edged blade. They give hints about what is to come. The First chapter “Another Thing Needful” can be assumed to talk about fact in relation to something else as the very first chapter of the book is “The One Thing Needful” and it talks only of fact. On the other hand the chapter names are just vague enough to sometimes apply to two or three events in the story. In the chapter “Found” you think they are going to find Stephen but instead they find Mrs. Pegler who ends up being Mr. Bounderby’s mother. Also some of the chapters seem to come in pairs such as “Very Ridiculous” and “Very Decided”. In addition “Men and Brothers” with “Men and Masters” from an earlier section of the reading also go together. The one exception to this is of course the “Lost” and “Found” chapters that though they seem like they should go together actually do not. It would seem like Dickens purposed the titles to be used as guides, but threw some bumps in the mix so the reader wouldn't rely in them for information all the time.
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9 comments:
Danielle Watkins
The titles of each chapter do not seem significant in the first part because they simply describe the chapter in clear terms. For example, if you read “Sissy’s Progress”, you know the chapter is going to discuss how Sissy is moving along. As you progress further into the second part and into the third part, the titles have more significance because they are more symbolic than before. “Mrs. Sparsit’s Staircase”, for example, is not about a literal staircase, but rather about how Mrs. Sparsit is spiraling down into an obsession with Louisa’s relationships. The section titles are important as well and I think Dickens chose to make the chapter titles more complex as he got further in the story because of these main titles: sowing, reaping, and garnering. The end of the harvest and what you gather from it is more important than the beginning, just as the story becomes more complex as it moves along. Still, the titles are simple for they are either literal or symbolic and the fact that they say little is important because the reader gets an idea about what the chapter holds, but must read the chapter to gain full understanding of the titles, especially with the more intricate ones.
Beau Yurkevicius
I feel that the titles of each chapter are important because they imply a meaning to each chapter and one can connect the title to the chapter after reading. The title "Lost" implies that something or someone will be lost. In this case it is Stephen Blackpool who is lost as nobody can find him. The next chapter, titled "Found", would make the reader predict that Stephen was found but in fact it is Mrs. Pegler who is found and Mr. Bounderby's past that is finally found out. The short titles are significant because they hint at what the chapter may be about but also leave something to be imagined. Dickens does a good job of using titles to describe the chapter while allowing the reader to find out the true meaning of it.
Esther Tai
I agree with Danielle. The first book's chapters seem to be like exposition, setting the scene, the cast, and the relationships between said characters. Although a few of the chapter titles add characterization, such as "No Way Out", which describes how Stephen Blackpool is trapped in his terrible marriage by the restrictions of society, and "Never Wonder", which is Mr. Gradgrind's core philosophy on life, for the most part they are exactly what they seem to be. The first two titles "The One Thing Needful" and "Murdering the Innocents" do announce two major themes of the book, which are tied together at the end, as book 3's first chapter is titled "Another Thing Needful"; if you read the first chapter and then skim through the table of contents, it provides foreshadowing that certain characters will find that more than Fact is necessary. The "Murdering of the Innocents" contributes to this theme, since Dickens argues that by providing children with bread alone for the soul, you are killing their childhood innocence, a time period where they are allowed to nourish dreams that will provide them hope and spirit later on when they have none.
I was puzzled by why Dicks decided that "Sleary's Horsemanship" deserved a chapter title, until I looked back: it symbolized how Sleary guided Sissy towards the Gradgrinds' care, like children should be cared for--in contrast to Mr. Gradgrind's system of "Murdering the Innocents". I agree with Beau that the simplicity of the titles are purposeful, to leave things be imagined and guessed at: this ties in with Dicken's theme of the necessity of imagination. If he presented all the Facts directly in the title, there would be little room for imagination.
There is a definitely a pattern among the titles, and a sense of meaningful progression: chapters 10-12 are titled "Mrs. Sparsit's Staircase", then "Lower and Lower", and finally, "Down" as Louisa hits rock bottom. It is also notable how Dicks juxtaposes the title names "Men and Brothers" with "Men and Masters" to emphasize the contrast between the two relationships; the first features the speech from the union instigator to the workers, and the second is Mr. Bounderby giving a talk-to to Stephen. The chapter "Fading Away" describes Stephen's departure from the town, but also foreshadows his later disappearance.
On a perhaps seemingly-unrelated note, I thought it was interesting how Dickens left the ending with everyone "seeing" into their future, particularly with Louisa continuing to stare into the fire of her unknown future, then ending his novel with the line "We shall sit with lighter bosoms on the hearth, to see the ashes of our fires turn grey and cold" (287). I am uncertain what he is implying with it, but maybe he is talking about death? (I'd prefer to think that then to that he just means we'll watch our futures and dreams die...) It is certainly one of the better endings that I have read in English class, as everything ties together in the end consistently with its themes.
(I'm just upset that Louisa didn't end up with Mr. Harthouse...sigh...!)
Geode Sibbick
The titles to the chapters were clearly chosen by Dickens to give symbolic meaning to each of the sections within his novel, "Hard Times". Like many authors, Dickens uses the names of his chapters as a way of foreshadowing upcoming events within the next segment of reading, but the amount of analyzation and forethought that went into the naming of these chapters so as to make the reader simultaneously speculating as to approaching events and analyzing the meanings of the enigmaticly short chapter names serves to distinguish the author as a literary genius. For example, the chapter "Found" can be seen as having a dual meaning relating to the physical finding of Stephen Blacpool, and the symbolic unveiling of Josiah Bounderby as nothing more than a blustering fool. It must also be seen that many of the chapters appear in matiching pains, "Lost" and "Found" for example, and the staggered nature of the book's publication could be a possible reason for this. Similarly, the enigmatically short chapter names may have served to draw readers in, and make them want to continue to read the novel as different chapters continued to be published.
Kate Sullivan
The titles of these chapters present literal meanings for the most part. In the first book, the titles are pretty self explanatory like Danielle and Esther mentioned. For example, they are named after characters such as Stephen Blackpool, Mrs,Sparsit, Rachel, and Mr.Bounderby. These provide hints that the chapter will discuss certain issues surrounding the characters or their perspective on an event. The chapters also pertain to relationships such as "Father and Daughter" and "Husband and Wife." These relationships are important in the first book because they challenge the Fact and explore the way people truly act. The chpater titles in the second book also reflect the characters, but go a step further in discussing their movement away from strict Fact. Titles such as,"Mrs. Sparsit's Staircase", "Lower and Lower", and "Down" represent Mrs. Sparsits changing emotions and involvement with Louisa and her relationships. In book three the titles reflect the events that are effecting all of the characters and how the disappearance of Stephen Blackpool makes certain characters react. Titles like, "Very Ridiculous" and "Very Decided" correspond to the motions surrounding Stephen Blackpool. The fact that the titles are short gives the reader a hint of what is to come and the theme for the chapter, but also allows them to think about how the chapter relates to the recent events and how that relates to the story as a whole.
Caitlynn Wentworth
Look at the titles of each chapter... Are they significant? Why/why not? What would Dickens choose to title each chapter as such? Is there a significance to not only what they say, but how little they say?
I agree with Ester and Danielle in some perspectives, and Beau in others.. so i guess i have my own thoughts. I feel as though the titles become more involved with the story as the story continues as oppose to being blunt about the topic of the chapter. Each title seems to appear to be quite stark when first read, but throughout the story, a previous title developes into a story after it has been used. Murdering the Innocents seems to have nothing really to do with the chapter, unless analyzed as Mr.Gradgrind murders the innocence of little children by not allowing them to imagine. Quite frankly i think that the title of each chapter displays what the reader should get from the chapter, but might not get because they dont know whats going to happen. I seem to be changing my mind as i write this. I think that because Dickens knows how the story is going to be played out, he names the chapters subconciously not realizing the reader says what the heck? I can relate to this because sometimes i dont write things, because i assume that people understand my method of thinking. Dickens uses interesting titles, but then brings the creativity down by naming a title Mr.Bounderby or Mrs.Sparsit. Looking at the titles some of them actually create a story .. "The One Thing Needful" of "Murdering the Innocents", something, "A Loophole". nevermind fail. The shortness of each title, i dont think really has a significance other than it is a title, and titles should be short. for any title one has to create an overall topic of what the chapter/paper/story is about, and i believe Dickens does this by either using names, imagery such as gunpowder or explosion, or just gives a summary.
Lane
There is major significance within the chapter titles that Dickens uses. They are used in a variety of ways including theme characterization, and foreshadowing.
Ex. The Chapter "Very Ridiculous" relates to Harthouse as he is leaving as he is quoted as saying, "I must not only regard myself as being in a very ridiculous position but as being vanquished at all points." (226) This shows that he even recognizes that the situation of leaving that he has put himself into is a fickle one since he does not fully embrace the idea.
The Fourth chapter "Lost" has deeper implications than just the whereabouts of Blackpool since that is who is being searched for in the chapter. Rather, Bounderby too can be seen as lost as he is in a struggle to find Blackpool and is getting caught up in his attempt to frame him. Rachael also feels lost as she no longer has a connection to Stephen through her letters.
And the foreshadowing is present in the titles "Starlight" and "whelp-hunting" like haven said. Light is a symbol not only for Stephen's survival as he tries to make it out of the mine but also for the hope of society to come and better itself from its current state. "Whelp-hunting" is rather self explanatory as the focus of the chapter is the search for tom.
Lane
The last chapter titled "Final" is very appropriate as it is the final chapter of the book. Dicken's clearly used alot of meaning and insight behind it.
These chapter titles really do speak volumes about the section of reading and the book as a whole as just the one to two words set the stage for the pages to come.
Shannon Temlak
The titles of each chapter are certainly significant to the novel, to the specific sections of the plot they label and as a whole. I have actively been taking notes while reading this novel, so I have about 28 full pages filled with information that I find important to jot down. It is quite intriguing that Dickens is able to use a simple word or phrase to creatively sum up the vast amount of activity that takes place in the plot. I’ve noticed that the titles in Book 1 of the novel generally pertain to specific characters or relationships between various characters. Some examples of these titles are: “Mr. Bounderby,” “Rachael,” “Husband and Wife,” and “Father and Daughter.” These titles emphasize the fact that readers will gain knowledge as to what the characters’ background and/or personalities are while reading that particular chapter. When reading the title “Husband and Wife,” the reader should make the connection that the chapter will be about the altered relationship between Mr. Boundery and Louisa. The first few titles in Book 2 serve a similar purpose as they do in Book 1: they bring attention to a specific character or relationship. Dickens uses adjectives in his titles to describe the characters. “The Whelp,” for example, refers to Tom. “Men and Masters,” is a reference to the relationship between Mr. Bounderby and the Hands, specifically Steven Blackpool. Later in Book 2, Dickens is more apt to use metaphors in his titles to sum up the action of each section. For example, Dickens refers to Mrs. Sparsit waiting for Louisa to make a mistake in her marriage by taking James Harthouse as her lover. The title, “Mrs. Sparsit’s Staircase” symbolizes the woman’s desire to see Louisa continue to descend towards a pit of gloom. The titles that follow, “Lower and Lower” and “Down,” are extensions of the staircase metaphor. Dickens’ use of metaphorical language in his titles gives the reader a way to determine if he is correctly analyzing the plot. The creativity of the titles’ wording further helps to make the reading of the plot interesting. I must say, looking at the titles was one of my most favorite part of reading Hard Times, as I have an appreciation for figurative language and word play. The titles in Book 3 draw attention to the main events in the chapters. In “Whelp-Hunting,” Mr. Gradgrind, Louisa, Sissy, and Bitzer all search for Tom (the whelp). As I go through my notes, I can see that the titles of each chapter are significant to the work as a whole. The titles sufficiently describe their corresponding chapter, because, by simply just reading the titles, I can get a sense as to what events chronologically occur throughout the entire novel.
Mike Strickland
The chapter titles are a double-edged blade. They give hints about what is to come. The First chapter “Another Thing Needful” can be assumed to talk about fact in relation to something else as the very first chapter of the book is “The One Thing Needful” and it talks only of fact. On the other hand the chapter names are just vague enough to sometimes apply to two or three events in the story. In the chapter “Found” you think they are going to find Stephen but instead they find Mrs. Pegler who ends up being Mr. Bounderby’s mother. Also some of the chapters seem to come in pairs such as “Very Ridiculous” and “Very Decided”. In addition “Men and Brothers” with “Men and Masters” from an earlier section of the reading also go together. The one exception to this is of course the “Lost” and “Found” chapters that though they seem like they should go together actually do not. It would seem like Dickens purposed the titles to be used as guides, but threw some bumps in the mix so the reader wouldn't rely in them for information all the time.
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