Here are some key aspects of their portrayal:
* Lack of Childhood: The children are denied a proper childhood, with their lives dictated by the rigid and oppressive regime of the utilitarian system. They are forced into laborious work at a young age, often in dangerous and unhealthy conditions.
* Emotional Suppression: The children are raised to suppress their emotions and individuality. They are taught to value facts and logic above all else, leading to a stifling atmosphere of conformity and emotional repression.
* Consequences of Neglect: The children suffer from physical and emotional deprivation. The lack of love, nurturing, and play results in stunted development, both physically and emotionally.
* Sissy Jupe: Sissy, the daughter of a circus performer, stands out as a symbol of hope and humanity. She is kind, compassionate, and empathetic, demonstrating the value of imagination and emotion. However, she faces constant pressure to conform to the utilitarian worldview and is often criticized for her "unrealistic" ways.
* The Gradgrind Children: The children of Thomas Gradgrind, such as Louisa and Tom, are particularly affected by the utilitarian philosophy. Louisa is forced into a loveless marriage, while Tom succumbs to the pressures of a materialistic society and ultimately commits a crime. Their stories illustrate the devastating consequences of suppressing natural human needs and instincts.
Symbolism: The children in *Hard Times* serve as powerful symbols of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and the dangers of prioritizing cold logic over human compassion. They represent the innocence and potential that are lost when society focuses solely on material progress and efficiency.
Ultimately, Dickens uses the children's plight to highlight the importance of imagination, love, and compassion in a world that often prioritizes cold logic and economic progress over the well-being of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable members of society.