In Bounderby Dickens Free Essay Example

This amplifies the lack of sympathy and respect that Bounderby has for his workers. That comment is very sarcastic and Bounderby finds it funny. This says a lot about his character. Not only is the unsympathetic to a man with real problems, but he makes a joke of him to go with it. It seems as if Bounderby is actually shocked that a worker would ask a question like that to him because in Bounderby’s opinion the answer is so clear cut.

By his sarcastic comment it is as if he is trying to say to Stephen – ‘are you trying to be funny? ‘.

The eventual outcome or reply from Bounderby is not only harsh, but also shallow – “There is such a law, but its not for you, it costs money” which is his way of saying – “divorce is not for the poor”. This is incredibly heartless as Bounderby himself was a member of a working class family.

The fact that Bounderby has the nerve to say this to Stephen is surprising as his roots are similar to Stephen’s current status. Bounderby is too in love with his money to care for others – not Victorian Gentlemanly conduct. Mr Bounderby marries Louisa Gradgrind, daughter of Bounderby’s good friend, Mr Gradgrind.

In Chapter 12 of the second book, Louisa delivers a passionate speech to her father, in melodramatic style. The most interesting phrase is – “Where are the sentiments of my heart? “. She is asking her father why he never taught her to love.

This is relevant to the essay title as it shows us Bounderby’s pride, his wife does not know how to love – this sums up his marriage. I feel that Bounderby has married Louisa for theoretical purposes rather than love. The evidence that gives me this idea is that his wife has never loved, she doesn’t know how.

This tells us how much love their marriage has and what their marriage is based upon – Bounderby’s image. He considers himself to be a gentleman and it is most likely that he married Louisa for the sake of having a wife rather than his love for her. The 19th century definition of a “Victorian Gentleman” also includes – “one who never takes an unfair advantage”. This defination contradicts Bounderby’s marriage as he married a woman that did not know how to love (quotation above), this could be seen as taking an “unfair advantage”.

The fact that Bounderby took advantage of Louisa’s innocence shows how he is selfish, as he has no respect for Louisa’s feelings. Bounderby is “flat”, almost like a cartoon. He has great effect on others in the book, such as Louisa and Stephen Blackpool. His effect is real and powerful, but he does not render into a character at all throughout the novel, unlike his good friend – Mr Gradgrind. Darren Cave Page 2 5/2/2007 Our opinions of Mr Gradgrind and Mr Bounderby are both negative throughout the duration of the novel.

However, we feel sympathy for Gradgrind as he realises he has wasted his life on facts, and makes an effort to change near the end of his life. The fact that Bounderby does not render in to character forbids us from feeling sympathetic towards him. He does not realise how he has influenced others so negatively with his behaviour. For example, his mother, as she accepted cash from him to keep her away. His biggest flaw is the fact that he does not even realise his own damage. Dickens uses Bounderby to imply that “the New Gentleman of Victorian Society” uses his wealth and power irresponsibly, contributing to the muddle relations between the rich and poor, especially in his treatment of Stephen Blackpool. This was not only the case in the novel, but Dickens use of Bounderby also shows that relationsions in Victorian society between the rich and poor were unsympathetic.

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