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Characters Representing Fact or Fancy: The ‘Key-Note’ Which Unveils Humanity Throughout history there have been many classic works of literature which demand the respect and attention of the public. However, there is a somewhat less well-known novel which deserves equal attention, Hard Times by Charles Dickens. This short novel is perhaps Dickens’ most thought provoking work and captures the sentiment of his time. Within this story there is a combating theme of fact versus fancy and the characters reveal the soul of humanity by the extremes of their situations. The backdrop of the novel, the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, provides the perfect setting for the conflicting ways of life. It is in this epitome of climatic sociological change that we are able to find the true heart of man. In order to understand the true meaning of Charles Dickens’ Hard Times, one must know the history of the age and the tribulations of the era. Charles Dickens lived during a period of rapid growth in industry. Unfortunately, this growth was at the expense of the people. The Industrial Revolution was a critical period for the entire Moore 2 world. While its products were eco