Hard Times (Thinking Activity)

 Hello Readers,

This blog is based on thinking activity. Assigned by Barad Sir (Professor of Department of English MKBU). In this Blog you can find some comparative study of  "Hard Times" and Hindi film "Tamasha", and also other Q&A.

1. Comparative study of 'Hard Times' and Hindi film 'Tamasha'.

"Hard Times" is a novel by Charles Dickens, published in 1854. It critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization in Coketown during the Industrial Revolution. The story focuses on characters like Thomas Gradgrind, who prioritizes rationality over emotion, and his daughter, Louisa, who faces the consequences. Dickens explores themes of conformity, compassion, and authentic human connections. The novel is renowned for its social commentary and the struggle for authenticity in a mechanical world.

"Tamasha" is a Bollywood film directed by Imtiaz Ali, released in 2015. Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, it tells the story of Ved, a man living a scripted life conforming to societal expectations. The film explores the struggle between conforming to societal norms and embracing one's true self, encouraging viewers to seek authenticity and personal growth. "Tamasha" blends drama, romance, and a touch of theatricality to convey its message of self-discovery and genuine human connections.

 A Comparison of 'Hard Times' and the Bollywood Film 'Tamasha'

Introduction :

Stories can be told in many ways, like through books and movies. In this blog, we're going to compare two different stories: the classic book "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens and the Bollywood movie "Tamasha." Even though they come from different times and types of art, they share some similar ideas that are worth talking about.

Setting the Scene :

1. 'Hard Times' by Charles Dickens :

   Charles Dickens wrote "Hard Times" a long time ago, in the 1800s. It's about a time when factories and machines were changing the world. The book talks about how this change made people forget about being kind and caring, and it tells us how important it is to be compassionate in a world that's becoming too mechanical.

2. 'Tamasha' - A Bollywood Movie :

   "Tamasha" is a modern Indian movie directed by Imtiaz Ali. It's about people like us, living in today's world. The movie is all about how we sometimes pretend to be someone we're not because we want to fit in with what society expects from us.

Comparing the Two:

1. Being Yourself vs. Following the Crowd :

   Both 'Hard Times' and 'Tamasha' talk about how hard it can be to be true to yourself when society expects you to act a certain way. In 'Hard Times,' characters like Thomas Gradgrind try to be all logical and follow rules, while in 'Tamasha,' the main character Ved starts to act how he thinks he should, not how he really wants to.

2. Finding Your Real Self :

   In both stories, the characters want to find their true selves. Characters like Louisa in 'Hard Times' and Ved in 'Tamasha' want to stop pretending and be real. They both realize that just following the rules and acting like everyone else isn't enough for a happy life.

3. Caring About Others :

   Both 'Hard Times' and 'Tamasha' show how important it is to care about other people. In 'Hard Times,' the lack of kindness causes a lot of problems, and in 'Tamasha,' real connections with others help the main character grow and change.

4. Acting Like You're in a Play :

   'Tamasha' uses the idea of acting in a play to show how people sometimes act like they're in a show, not being themselves. 'Hard Times' also uses this idea, with a circus in the story that's like a big performance.

5. Changing for the Better :

   In both stories, the characters go on journeys of change. They stop pretending and start being true to themselves. This shows that it's possible for anyone to change and become a better person.

Conclusion :

"Hard Times" and "Tamasha" might be from different times and places, but they both talk about similar things. They tell us that it can be tough to be yourself when society expects you to be someone else. They also show us that being kind to others and being true to ourselves are really important. Whether you like old books or modern movies, both of these stories remind us that it's okay to be ourselves and care about others in a world that sometimes makes that hard to do.

2. Discuss the views of F.R. Leavis and J.B. Priestley on 'Hard Times'. With whom do you agree? Why?

F.R. Leavis and J.B. Priestley were two prominent literary critics with differing views on Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times."

F.R. Leavis criticized "Hard Times" for its lack of moral and emotional depth, arguing that it presented a one-dimensional view of industrial society and lacked the complexity found in Dickens' other works. He believed that the characters were flat and the story was overly didactic.

On the other hand, J.B. Priestley viewed "Hard Times" more favorably, appreciating its social critique and portrayal of the harsh realities of industrialization. He saw the novel as a valuable commentary on the dehumanizing effects of utilitarianism and the need for empathy and compassion.

Agreeing with one critic over the other ultimately depends on our own interpretation and perspective. If we value a nuanced exploration of characters and emotions, we may align more with Leavis. If we appreciate the novel's social commentary and its message on the importance of humanity in an industrialized world, Priestley's perspective might resonate with us. Literary analysis often involves personal interpretation, so there's no definitive answer as to whose views are "correct." It's a matter of which perspective resonates more with our own understanding of the novel.

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