How does he use characterization and symbolism to foster his position?

Charles Dickens was a critique of the major social issues of his age. What was he criticizing in Hard Times? How does he use characterization and symbolism to foster his position?

Is his criticism valid? What solutions is he obviously proposing? Do we still have that problem today?

Write a 750 word analysis of the novel from one of the following perspectives: point of view, setting, character, theme, tone and style, symbolism, or historical meaning.