Hard Times

Set in the fictional mill-town of Coketown, the narrative explores the harsh realities faced by mill workers and the oppressive attitudes of their employers. Josiah Bounderby, a key character, represents the mill owners' denial of workers' struggles, absurdly claiming they live comfortably while dismissing their demands for better conditions. The book critiques social injustices and the resistance to unionization, highlighting the stark contrast between the owners' perceptions and the workers' grim realities.