CHOICES AND EXPERIENCES

how do both writers present childhood impacts, difficult circumstances, self discovery, independence, earning experiences and important choices

• In Dickens' 1854 satirical ‘Condition of England' novel ‘Hard Times’ and Walker's 1982 epistolary novel ‘The Colour Purple’, both writers construct characters ______ as a result of childhood trauma as a catalytic force that dictates the characters' adult trajectories.

• Dickens critiques the rigid utilitarian teachings of Mr Gradgrind and industrialisation of learning through Louisa's emotionless language as a direct consequence

• Walker utilises the intimate epistolary form to expose the intersectional physical and emotional abuse suffered by Celie in the patriarchal Deep South.

• Ultimately, both authors suggest that while they may face childhood obstacles, these moments necessitate a strenuous pursuit towards _______, challenging the reader to confront the systematic failures of their societies.

how doe both writers present rebellion and resistance

• In Dickens' 1854 satirical ‘Condition of England' novel,‘Hard Times’ and Walker's 1982 epistolary novel ‘The Colour Purple’, both writers present acts of rebellion and resistance as essential responses to oppressive systems.

• Dickens portrays resistance through characters challenging rigid utilitarian ideology and its authoritative figures, though with varying levels of success.

• Conversely, Walker foregrounds more transformative acts of defiance, particularly through female solidarity, self-expressiveness and growth.

• Ultimately, both authors suggest that resistance is crucial in reclaiming agency and identity.

how doe both writers present conflict

• In Dickens' 1854 satirical ‘Condition of England' novel,‘Hard Times’ and Walker's 1982 epistolary novel ‘The Colour Purple’, both writers present conflict as an inevitable consequence of oppressive social structures, manifesting both internally and externally.

• Dickens depicts tensions between ‘fact’ and ‘fancy’, as well as class divisions within the industrial Coketown.

• Conversely, Walker explores the psychological and physical conflict as a product of the patriarchal deep South at a time during the Jim Crow laws.

• Ultimately, both authors suggest that conflict exposes deeper societal inequalities, urging the reader to recognise the necessity of change.

how doe both writers present religion and spirituality

• In Dickens' 1854 satirical ‘Condition of England' novel,‘Hard Times’ and Walker's 1982 epistolary novel ‘The Colour Purple’, both writers engage with religion and spirituality as purposeful, where characters interpret and seek meaning in life.

• Dickens critiques rigid ideological belief systems through satire but also promotes christian values of love, kindness, redemption and forgiveness. 

• Conversely, Walker foregrounds spirituality and God as a personal and evolving force.

• Ultimately, both authors suggest that spiritual insight lies in compassion and connection rather than institutional doctrine and definitions.

how doe both writers present settings

• In Dickens' 1854 satirical ‘Condition of England' novel,‘Hard Times’ and Walker's 1982 epistolary novel ‘The Colour Purple’, both writers utilise setting as a powerful tool for social critique, shaping both characterization and narrative.

• Dickens constructs the industrial landscape of Coketown as a symbol and consequence of industrialisation and dehumanisation.

• Conversely, Walker’s rural Southern setting reflects the constraints and opportunities within Celie's world.

• Ultimately, both authors suggest that settings and society are active forces that reinforce social structures, allowing characters to fall victim to or challenging them.