In 'Hard Times' Bitzer, Tom Gradgrind and James Harthouse are characters separated by social class: working, middle and upper classes respectively. Account for what unites them.

Superficially, these three characters are all very different. They have different social status, different behavioural characteristics and ultimately different destinies. However they also share a number of attributes. They are all three intrinsically selfish, materialistic and lack any social conscience. They each become a target of Dickens' fierce criticism, because they represent elements of Victorian culture which he despised. <Tab/>Bitzer, Tom Gradgrind and James Harthouse are all deeply unfeeling characters, …

…reader is encouraged to feel no compassion. Perhaps the most important of the similarities they all share is selfishness. It is ironic that ultimately none of them achieve much for themselves, when this has been the sole focus of their lives. Dickens teaches us that pursuing goals for the common good reaps richer rewards than the pure self-interest that unites Bitzer, Tom Gradgrind and James Harthouse. This lesson is, appropriately, the antithesis of utilitarian teaching.