Hard Times - The Theme of Education Essay - 2699 Words

Hard Times - The Theme of Education In this piece I intend to explain how Dickens is trying to represent education in the Victorian era and how he feels about the style of teaching that is widely used during his times. I also intend to make references to how the representation of Victorian schools by Dickens compares, historically to the actual conditions in a school from the Victorian era. As soon as the book begins we are introduced to a style of teaching that is dependent only on facts. One of the main characters of the novel is Thomas Gradgrind and he is the enforcer of this utilitarian style of education and is described as a man who is very strict. Dickens introduces us to this character with a description of his†¦show more content†¦The way he describes the personality and appearance of Gradgrind suggests traits and looks that most people would find undesirable. In Dickens’s caricature of Gradgrind he is representing a society in which emotions and personal feelings don’t matter and all that matters is work and production rate. Gradgrind champions this utilitarian style system, he seems to represent all that Dickens felt was evil because he thought that Gradgrind was a man who as long as he got what he wanted, it didn’t matter how he got it and also that society should strive for the greater good for the greater number. Thomas Gradgrind seems to represent the rigor of hard facts and statistics and also what his style of teaching does to a person and how they will be as an adult after being subjected to the education style which Gradgrind uses. â€Å"With a rule and a pair of scales, and the multiplication table always in his pocket, sir, ready to weigh and measure any parcel of human nature.† This extract shows what kind of an adult Gradgrind has turned out to be. He seems to be devoid of any needless emotions and is sCeptical of anything he is not sure about and is ready to deduce what it is using scientific reasoning and logic. The teaching style promoted by Gradgrind seems only to involveShow MoreRelatedHow does Charles Dickens treat the theme of education in his novel Hard Times?2388 Words   |  10 Pageslook at education today, we see more than just reading, writing and solving numerous calculations, sometimes providing more than one answer for a question. Your opinions and views actually count for something and are appreciated. We have so many resources, culture and trips bought into education; that children can actually look forward to coming to school, each teacher having various ways of teaching, each pupil having a different way of comprehending and learning. The novel Hard Times is setRead MoreMy Family And Education Is Important For Your Future1221 Words   |  5 Pagesalso contradicts the themes in my family’s narrative. 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My Passion Lies With Dance Essay Example For Students

My Passion Lies With Dance Essay My Passion Lies with DanceDancing has been a huge learning experience for me and the influence it has had on my life, I will never forget. Ive learned teamwork as well as leadership, and for countless numbers of hours for 6 years I have spent my days devoting myself to practicing, perfecting and an open-mind. To me, dance is more than just a beautiful art form. Dance is a way to communicate with people and it should be respected and honored. I feel it is beautiful, exciting and inspiring. I can never get bored with it because there is always room to improve. There can always be more beats, higher jumps and better placement, among other things. I am showing the world me, and who I am when I dance. Dancing is power, a prayer, it gives a sense of life. As a member of a competitive dance team, I understand the importance of teamwork and leadership. I have come to realize that a team uses cooperative effort to achieve a common goal. This often requires personal sacrifice. When dancing with other people, one must respect the value of teamwork, not only amongst fellow dancers, but with coaches and teachers as well. Each and every practice we worked collaboratively, dedicated and devoted to our ambition. Our teacher would help us develop our abilities with elite leadership. Likewise, leadership is necessary to ensure that a teams accomplishments are not misguided, inadequate, or fruitless. I believe a dancer is someone who is generally admired. They are looked upon as people who strive for perfection. Anyone devoted to an athletic ambition works incredibly hard to maintain their bodies so that they can perform to the best of their abilities. Friends and family look up to me because I have worked so hard to be a better dancer. The balanc e between teamwork and leadership is crucial to attaining proud success. I have to take care of my body to be a dancer and through this, I have learned to be more disciplined. It has prepared me to stay in shape, by eating properly and practicing all the time, even outside of class. Also, I have not and will not lay a finger on a cigarette. My past teachers have never been cruel, but only very stern, direct people. They have always wanted the best that I could possibly give and that has made me realize how important criticism is. Remembering that your best is as good as you can do is very important. While performing on stage, its all adrenaline. Everything is really intense however, I strive for excellence. To stand out on stage at the end of the performance, and to know you thrilled the audience is an incredible feeling. My dance teacher once gave us a heartwarming speech before walking us onstage. Ill never forget at the end she said, Each time you perform, dance not only with your arms, your legs and your feet but also with every inch of your heart and soul. This quote motivated us to do our best and that day we won Top Overall. Personally, I have worked very hard to become the best dancer possible. In the process, I have earned the respect of my family, friends, and fellow dancers. It is my belief that people generally admire dancers as models of perfection. Therefore, each dancer owes it to him or her self to put in many hours of work to obtain the ultimate dancers physique. Dance has made me a better person. I enhance my strength, courage and confidence. Dance did not allo w me to find myself. Dancing found me. Social Issues