Class Struggle in Hard Times Hard Times displays the struggles of two different classes. The working class seems to have an inherent nobility that escapes the servitude of their station. In Rachael, such characteristics are seen in continual defense of morality. The wealthy, on the other hand, appear at loss at the true nature of happiness, instead grasping at surface beliefs to substitute their lack of contentment. Mrs. Gradgrind completes the picture by allowing her …showed first 75 words of 648 total…

…showed last 75 words of 648 total…an emotional one for the upper. As a member of the Hands, Rachael's life is characterized by physical hardship yet it is the lack of money that prevents her happiness. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gradgrind, unable to share the Gradgrind's interest in cold Facts yet unable find her own beliefs, does not truly understand what happiness is. However, both serve as additions to Dickens' characterization of their respective classes while emphasizing the role of the main characters.