* Satire: Dickens uses exaggeration and irony to expose the flaws of industrial society and its obsession with facts and utilitarianism.
* Example: The character of Mr. Gradgrind, who believes in "facts, facts, facts," and his attempt to name his children after "facts" like "Adam Smith" and "Malthus." The absurdity of this highlights the narrowness of his worldview.
* Verbal Irony: Dickens creates humorous situations by using words or phrases that have a meaning opposite to their literal interpretation.
* Example: The use of the term "Coketown" - a bleak, industrial city - suggests a place of happiness and prosperity, but the reality is quite the opposite.
* Characters: Several characters, like Bounderby and Mr. Gradgrind, are caricatures of their own types, making them inherently funny. Their pomposity, hypocrisy, and self-importance are highlighted through their actions and dialogues.
* Example: Mr. Bounderby's boasting about his "self-made" success while ignoring his harsh treatment of workers.
* Situational Comedy: Dickens creates humorous scenarios through unexpected events and misunderstandings.
* Example: The scene where the workers in Coketown are unable to identify a bird because they only know the names of industrial objects.
* Humor as a Tool for Social Commentary: Dickens uses humor to make his social commentary more palatable and relatable. This softens the blow of his critique and allows readers to engage with the issues in a less confrontational manner.
* Example: The humorous depiction of the circus characters, especially Sleary, serves to highlight the importance of imagination and emotion in contrast to the cold, utilitarian world of Coketown.
It's important to note that the humor in "Hard Times" is often tinged with a sense of melancholy or irony. Dickens's humor is not merely for amusement; it is used to expose the dark side of industrial society and its impact on human beings.