In “Hard Times”, Charles Dickens tells the story of a fictional town called Coketown and its residents, who live in a state of constant work and little play. The town is a symbol of the Industrial Revolution and the problems that came with it. The novel focuses on the working class, specifically the workers in the factories, and the difficulties they faced. The working conditions were poor, the pay was low, and the hours were long. The workers were often treated poorly by their employers and were at risk of losing their jobs if they spoke up. The novel highlights the inequality between the rich and the poor, as well as the struggles of the working class.