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 Stephen Blackpool.
6 comments:
Elissa Caldicott
Period 7
Stephen Blackpool, who was introduced in chapter ten, was a hard working fourty year old man. He was a citizen of Coketown, but unlike Ms. Gradgrind or Mr.Bounderby, Stephen Blackpool represented the poor working class of the town. He appeared to be an honest and good hearted man, but was dealt an unfortunate hand. He worked for Mr. Bounderby in his factory and lived a life of sweat and grim. On page 62 Dickens wrote, "He had had a hard life. It is said that every life as its roses of thorns...and he had become possessed of the same somebody else's thorns in addition to his own." In this comparision it is made clear that Stephen, similarly to other citizens, has had his deal of troubles, but unlike everyone else it seems that Mr. Blackpool has recieved double the amount of issues or troubles than anyone else. In "Hard Times" Stephen's character exposes a sad or depressed tone for the novel. Altough Stephen is married, even his marriage is hard work and miserable. Stephen tries to stay true to is wife, while he battles his feelings for his true love Rachael. So far in the novel, Stephen appears to be good, moral and hard working person. Overall Stephen is a repersentation of the poor and unfortunate working class in the town of Coketown.
Erica
Stephen Blackpool is represented as a repsectful, kind, and moral character. He is stuck with an unfortunate role, by having married a woman who has turned to drinking and has to make a living by working in a factory. He is respectful, because he respects Bounderby and what Bounderby tells him about marriage. He is moral in the way he stays with his wife eventhough he would much rather be with Rachel. Stephen is optimistic with his role in life, while Bounderby is more pessamistic. Stephen, therefore is the dramatic foil for Bounderby. Stephen hardly thinks abour himself while bounderby is completly self centered and arogant. Together they represent the struggle and difference betweem rich and poor.
Kyle Mannion
Elissa, I agree with you in your description of Stephen as an honest man who is deserving of a life greater than the one he currently lives. However, I feel that Stephen is not an accurate representation of the working class of Coketown. Stephen seems to possess traits that are above those of his peers, such as his honesty and the thoughtfulness he exhibits when his wife appears. Unlike all of Bounderby's other Hands, Stephen does not desire turtle soup and venison fed from the golden spoon, but, as you stated, he simply desires to be with Rachael, an ambition much more noble than the pursuit of money. Stephen stands apart from his peers because he is in pursuit of happiness rather than wealth.
I agree with both of the comments posted. Stephen Blackpool is a hard working man, who struggles in more areas than just money. I agree with what Erica said about how they represent the struggle and difference between rich and poor.I also think this ties in with the idea of fact vs feelings. Although Stephen has a hard life Dickens almost shows how his love for Rachael is hope, opposed to Mr. Bounderby and the Gradgrinds life, which is just based on fact. Louisa does not even have the option to be in love, where Stephen hopes to one day marry his true love.
Shayleigh Oldroyd
I agree with both of the comments posted. Stephen Blackpool is a hard working man, who struggles in more areas than just money. I agree with what Erica said about how they represent the struggle and difference between rich and poor.I also think this ties in with the idea of fact vs feelings. Although Stephen has a hard life Dickens almost shows how his love for Rachael is hope, opposed to Mr. Bounderby and the Gradgrinds life, which is just based on fact. Louisa does not even have the option to be in love, where Stephen hopes to one day marry his true love.
Erica (continuation):
Stephen works as a hand in a factory under controling people like Bounderby. Stephen takes what he gets and accepts his meager role in life while Bounderby is constantly complaining about his 'bad' chilhood and never appreciates the riches and the role he has in society. Dickens writes about Stephen with softer words as well to give a more gentle mood to the reader.
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