Great Expectations or Hard Times?

Question

Which of these is:
1.easier
2.less time taking to read
3.better to get an extract and recite a speech from?

Answer 1

Great Expectations is the better novel, more interesting thematically, with more complex characters, a more engaging plot.

But to answer your direct question, Hard Times is probably an easier, quicker read, for it is the shortest of Dickens' novels. And there is no more quotable speech or excerpt than the encounter at the very beginning between the schoolmaster, Mr. Gradgrind, and Sissy Jupe, his pupil. Mr. Gradgrind wants "facts and calculations"; he asks for the definition of a horse. Bitzer, who knows how to play his game, gives a verbose, pedantic dictionary definition. Sissy, who knows all about horses from her experience with the circus, cannot play the Gradgrind word game. This dialogue is Dickens' classic contribution to the debate on the nature of true education: book-learning vs. experience, "facts" vs what Grandgrind calls "fancy."

Set in the fictitious Coketown rather than London, where most of Dickens' stories take place, it deals with the conflict between capitalistic mill owners and the abused working class. It is Dickens' attack on the philosophy of Utilitarianism and its social effects, especially the basing of human relations on appeals to self-interest and statistical generalizations. It also attacks an educational system that merely prepares students to adapt to a utilitarian society rather than exercising their imagination and independence. Children and workers suffer in the world of Hard Times under the authoritarian hands of the Gradgrinds and Bounderbys of the world.

The book itself is more didactic than Great Expectations, and its characters are less fascinating than Pip and Magwitch and Miss Havisham and Jaggers and Wemmick and the Pocket family and even the cold-hearted Estella. There is no more moving scene in all of Dickens than that when Pip, now a young would-be "gentleman" in London, humiliates Joe, the village blacksmith, who had been his friend and benefactor when he was a shy orphan.

Hard Times, in my opinion, is a good read; Great Expectations is a great read. Both should be read for pleasure and personal satisfaction. Both can be ruined by Gradgrindian teachers. Enjoy!

Answer 2

Great Expectations is the way to go although it will take more time. You will benefit immensely from a thorough reading of it. You'll earn "brownie points" for choosing it over Hard Times. Also a good read - but not on par with Great Expectations.
As to reciting a "speech" - I can't remember with that much specificity - it's been awhile. Start reading it and something will jump out at you.
I hope you haven't waited until the last minute - if so, get the Cliff Notes - but you'll be doing yourself a disservice and "they" will know you didn't read the book.

Answer 3

I choose Great Expectations. While it starts out slow, it ends up being a very quick read and has a lot of great speeches for recitation. I read this in college and high school.

Answer 4

Go for Great Expectations - it's slightly longer but a much easier read, funnier in parts and scarier in parts.

And if you want a funny extract, find the bit where Mr Wopsle the parish clerk, goes up to London and tries to become an actor.

Answer 5

Eva95 is oure a occasion of people who have this variety of complicated time visualizing Black people coming up great civilizations the guy interior the percenthas been located to hold those products the guy doesnt even know a thank you to hold those products they're finished of custom yet caucassians ppl dont like 2 see black with custom white which includes u dont or cnannot comprehend

Answer 6

Gotta be Great Expectations.

Answer 7

Great Expectations of course!!!!!!