Appreciating Language

“For the first time in her life, Louisa had come into one of the dwellings of the Coketown Hands; for the first time in her life, she was face to face with anything like individuality in connexion with them. She knew of their existence by hundreds and by thousands. She knew what results in work a given number of them would produce, in a given space of time. She knew them in crowds passing to and from their nests, like ants or beetles. But she knew from her reading infinitely more of the ways of toiling insects than of these toiling men and women” (155).

Chapter 6: Fading Away Analysis

 Stephen nodded assent. 'Though as to master,' said he, glancing again at Rachael, 'not master onny more. That's aw enden twixt him and me.'... 'Whether I ha left'n his work, or whter his work ha left'n me, cooms t' th' same. His work and me are parted... I mun turn my face fro Coketown fur th' time, and seek a fort'n, dear, by beginnin fresh.' (152).

In this passage, Stephen has just departed from Bounderby's and ran into Rachael; he explains to her he quit his job as a Hand of Bounderby's factory.

The significance of the labor unions goes beyond the workers, or "Hands." The relationship between the authority and the Hands reflects the labor unions, because the authority holds the fate of the Hands of Coketown--ironically in their hands. Bounderby is the leader, rather a dicatator ,of the industrial revolution in Coketown; whereas, the Hands are the poverish, low class making up most of the town. However, with money comes power, and thus Bounderby is granted the position of power. Bounderby's authority is emphasized as Stepehn refers to him as "master." A master is not simply an authority figure, but rather an authority figure with a sort of a dictating control over his people.

Another technique used is the poor language Stephen has. This creates a stereotypical image of a poor, uneducated man with no purpose or a future. However, there is a strange connection between Bounderby and his Hands. He makes notice of his dpressing childhood: "I was born in a ditch...I was so sickly...ragged and dirty" (21). The description Bounderby uses for himself, fits the image of Stephen. Ironically, Stephen seems to have the same intentions as Bounderby: to "beginnin fresh." Stephen aspires to become what Bounderby is. His courage to take a stand and rebel against Bounderby reveals his strong personality to be an individual, not strictly a "Hand." Thus, reflecting the importance of the individual, to resist comforming to the standards within a societal class. Proving any individual is capable to step out of their comfort-zone if they have the confidence to become thier own authority.

Discussion Forum 1

How would Coketown's society and atmosphere differ if the labor institutions weren't  so oppressive to The Hands and their way of  life?

I want Facts! Section 4: 2 quotes that I liked

 1. "When the Devil goeth about like a roaring lion, he goeth about in a shape by which few but savages and hunters attracted. But, when he is trimmed, smoothed, and varnished, according to the mode: when he is aweary of vice, and aweary of virtue, used up as to brimstone, and used up as to bliss; then, whether he take to the serving out of red tape, or to the kindling of red fire, he is the very Devil (Dickens 175)."


2. "At last, when the darkness and stillness had seemed for hours to thicken one another, she heard the bell at the gate (Dickens 184)"