This book, especially regarding Gradgrind, reminded me of Schindler's List. Gradgrind changes from a strict business man and then turns to give much of his wealth to better conditions for people. Schindler acted similarly, starting as a business man and ending up giving up his wealth to save others.
The youtube link to the trailer is below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK0kc2QpL-U
I totally agree! I think that as Schindler realized how horrible the Nazis were, he changed his ways for the greater good. I find that a lot like how Gradgrind sees the damage he did to Louisa, so he changed his philosophies.
ReplyDeleteSunni, you genius. I automatically thought of the last scene of the movie, and was a bit surprised to find you linked us to the entire trailer. I'd immediately thought of Schindler when the "factory" had found out the war was over, and his breakdown as he cries "I could have saved more" when being rewarded with a gold ring that he could have sold to save another life. It reminds me of Louisa's meltdown and how that hits Gradgrind like a flash flood.
ReplyDelete~Cam
This is such a great connection! Just to add a piece of evidence to this analysis, in the first chapter of Book 3 when Louisa and Gradgrind are discussing Louisa's meltdown and overall unhappiness, Gradgrind says, "some persons hold that there is a wisdom of the Head, and that there is a wisdom of the Heart. I have not supposed so; but, as I have said, I mistrust myself now. I have supposed the Head to be all-sufficient. It may not be all-sufficient; ow can I venture this morning to say it is!" (218). I think this evidence perfectly represents Gradgrind's transformation into a more caring and emotional human being because now he is questioning himself and wondering abut his own morals that he used to be so strongly set on.
ReplyDeleteI used this piece of evidence on 217-218 as my "admired quote" and I have a question about it... why do you think that Head and Heart are capitalized? I was just wondering about that.
~Jess S