Here are some of Dickens' most famous novels that portray the Industrial Revolution:
* Hard Times (1854): This novel directly addresses the impact of industrialization on the town of Coketown, where factories are depicted as cold, impersonal machines that dehumanize the workers. The story highlights the clash between the industrialist perspective, represented by the character of Thomas Gradgrind, and the need for human connection and compassion.
* Oliver Twist (1837): While not set in an industrial city, the novel portrays the harsh realities of poverty and crime that were prevalent in London during the Industrial Revolution. Oliver, an orphan, is forced to live in a workhouse, which is depicted as a cruel and inhumane institution. The novel explores themes of social injustice and the plight of the poor.
* A Tale of Two Cities (1859): Although set during the French Revolution, the novel also reflects the social unrest and poverty that were occurring in England during the Industrial Revolution. The story contrasts the lives of the wealthy and the poor in both London and Paris, highlighting the inequalities and the social struggles of the time.
* Great Expectations (1861): This novel showcases the social mobility and the rise of new wealth associated with the Industrial Revolution. Pip, the protagonist, is raised in poverty but later encounters wealth and social status through his connection to a wealthy benefactor. However, the novel also explores the complexities of ambition, class, and the pursuit of happiness in a changing society.
These novels, alongside Dickens' other works, offer a powerful and insightful commentary on the social, economic, and cultural transformations that were taking place in England during the Industrial Revolution.