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 literatry 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 hte most important tools available to the author.
Using the definition above, characterize Mr. Bounderby.
4 comments:
Mr. Bounderby, is introduced into the story in chapter 4. In fact, the title is even named after him. The first thing we hear of Bounderby is him being asked for his opinion. This immidiately gives the reader a sense of Bounderby's power and social stature. He is immidiately recognized as a person who has power, as Gradgrind, who is a wealthy powerful man himself, looks to Bouderby for help concerning his own personal life/children. he is described as "a rich man: banker, merchant, manufacturer, and what not. A big, loud man, with a stare, and a metallic laugh. A man made out of a coarse material...a man who ncould never sufficiently vaunt himself himself a self-made man...A man who was the bully of humility". Being called the bully of humility, the reader may already assume that Bounderby can be recognized as an antagonist in the story. In fact, Bounderby directly portrays the books theme concerning man=machine. If read closely, when intorduced by the narrator, he is referred to almost as a sort of machine. Bounderby ultimately serves a massive role in the plot of this story. He effectively toils with Gradgrind's children and other youth (sissy and school children), ruining their lives while also serving as part of the theme concerning man and machine. Dickens uses Bounderby as a vessel to demonstrate themes and add conflict.
Nicole Barr
Mr. Bounderby
Mr. Bounderby is a composite character, a sort of combination of the cold, fact-loving Gradgrind and the girl Sissy, who has had many life experiences. Though he is rough and tends to be harsh where his "eminently practical" friend is kind, he is still a generally decent human being. However, his greatest downfall that makes him into an unlikeble character is his crippling boastfulness. One gets the sense that Bounderby was not paid attention to and even mentions that he was neglected when he was young. Because of this lack of empathy and attention, Bounderby feels the need to constantly refer to his life story. He was the only person who saw himself climb up the social ladder, a 'self-made man' through and through. Therefore, when he tells his friends and colleagues about every aspect of his life, it comes across as boasting. However Bounderby is just trying to tell anyone he can about his success because he doesn't have anyone else to share it with.
Though his life was varied and rich, Bounderby seems to also worship facts and practical statements. He doesn't have much sentimentality or compassion, but what he does have he gives compeltely to Gradgrind. You get the sense that he's trying to be like Gradgrind, making an effort to be interested in the same things he is (mainly his love of practicality.)
When Bounderby asks for Lousia's hand in marriage, it doesn't really come as a surprise. He has always shown an affection for her ever since she was small. This adds to his 'unlikeability' as a character, because it seems distateful and almost perverted to imagine a 50 year old man like himself marrying Lousia, who is only in her late twenties. Overall, Bounderby is a character we are meant to dislike because of the decisions he makes and the company he keeps, but also pity for his situation.
Tommy Campbell
I agree with Nicole when she claims that Bounderby shows no empathy and views himself above everyone else. I see Bounderby as an obnoxious and cocky character, he believes that since he rose from rags to riches he is better than everyone else because that is so hard to do. I disagree with the first nameless response, when he or she whoever it is says that Bounderby is the corrolation of the theme man=machine. I say that because machines are methodical and consistent. I think that Mr. Gradgrind would fit that description but I believe that Bounderby is different because of his rise from the poor and his loud personality. I think of a machine as boring and monotonous like Gradgrind while I envision Bounderby as outgoing and cocky.
Kristen Cipriano
Mr. Bounderby is no doubt a successful and rich man, making him easily accepted by Mr. Gradgrind and others. I agree with Nicole where she says Mr. Bounderby was a self-made man and feels the need to remind people of that. He has much pride as a character where he likes to remind others of how he made his way to the top but as well as that he seems a bit vulnerable. His status makes him believe he may get anything he desires like when Louisa has no choice but to marry him. Bounderby adds the wealthy class into "Hard Times" to show how he came from rags to riches and it can be possible. He almost symbolizes hope in the novel for the lower classes. As well as that he bring conflict but also leaves us feeling bad for him.
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