Hard times book the
Third is called Garnering, which refers to storing and collecting
after a harvest. Taking this into account one can see what was collected
through the rigorous system of facts. Gradgrind seems to undergo a
transformation after realizing that a fact based learning system is a failure.
His entire view of the world changes from “gauging fathomless deeps with his
little mean exercise-rod” to a more wholesome view. He sees that when he tried
to force fact upon Louisa, he instead ended up “annihilating the flowers of existence”
suggesting that the fact based learning system that he had developed causes
more harm than good. Dickens also seems to comment on how this system contrast
that of nature. Through the rigid use of tools like the “little mean
exercise-rod” and the “rusty stiff-legged compass” we notice a clear
distinction between the way the tools are described against the way nature is
described with its “fathomless depths” and the “universe.” One can infer that
the contrast between the divine nature and the rigid science tells the reader
that learning only facts limits one’s ability to connect to the natural order
of life and will therefore be forced to live a life of regret and sadness.
Could garnering also symbolize "collecting" the bits of a shattered education and mindset.Due to their schooling in rigorous system of facts, Louisa and Tom have both broken down in confusion and anger and have had to seriously re-evaluate the way they veiw life. So, 'garner' could mean picking up he pieces they know about another way to view life, perhaps picked up from encounters with Sissy, Stephen, and even Rachael.
ReplyDelete-Brianna Maki