'Now, what I want is, Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts
alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else'
Coketown is dominated by the figure of Mr Thomas Gradgrind, school owner and
model of Utilitarian success. Feeding both his pupils and his family with facts, he bans
fancy and wonder from young minds. As a consequence his obedient daughter Louisa marries
the loveless businessman and 'bully of humility' Mr Bounderby, and his son Tom rebels to
become embroiled in gambling and robbery. And, as their fortunes cross with those of free-
spirited circus girl Sissy Jupe and victimised weaver Stephen Blackpool, Gradgrind is
eventually forced to recognise the value of the human heart in an age of materialism and
machinery.
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