What quotation from Hard Times could explain the treatment of the adultery theme in the novel?

A possible example could be this: 'I have heard all this before', said Mr. Bounderby. 'She took to drinking, left off working, sold the furniture, pawned the clothes, and played old Gooseberry.' (p.71) This is because Dickens does not address directly the theme of adultery in the novel. He, in fact, makes it appear only in a different space from that of the novel: Stephen's past, in particular, his wife's conduct. 'Played old Gooseberry' could be referring to an episode of adultery she has committed before leaving her husband. This indirect and almost hidden reference shows the author's interest not to follow the expectations of the audience, who might have preferred an explicit act of adultery, the "scandal", as in the fashion of the time. Instead, he plays with the reader, expanding the dimension of the character beyond the novel itself.

SM
Answered by Simona M. Spanish tutor

2668 Views

See similar Spanish 13 Plus tutors

Related Spanish 13 Plus answers

All answers ▸

how do you conjugate a regular verb in the present indicative tense?


Translate into Spanish: “Authorities are advising that people stay at home in light of the recent virus outbreak across the globe”


Conjugate the verb 'andar' in the present tense


¿Quién es tu profesor/a favorito/a en tu colegio? ¿Por qué?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning