Final answer:
By the end of "Hard Times," Gradgrind realizes that the utilitarian education he enforced on Louisa deprived her of necessary emotional experiences (option C), leaving her emotionally stunted and unfulfilled.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emotional Deprivation:
- Louisa's education focused solely on facts and rationality, neglecting emotional development.
- She was taught to suppress emotions and prioritize utilitarian values.
Impact on Relationships:
- Louisa's marriage to Bounderby is devoid of emotional connection, based on utilitarian principles.
- The lack of emotional understanding contributes to her unhappiness.
Craving for Emotion:
- Louisa's encounter with Sissy Jupe and the circus reflects her suppressed desire for emotional experiences.
- She realizes the limitations of a purely utilitarian mindset.
Consequences of Emotional Repression:
- Louisa's emotional repression leads to her breakdown, emphasizing the negative effects of a utilitarian education.
- Gradgrind recognizes that neglecting emotional development has profound consequences.
Conclusion:
In the end, Dickens uses Louisa's character to critique the dehumanizing effects of a purely utilitarian education. Gradgrind's realization underscores the importance of balancing rationality with emotional development, acknowledging the harm caused by neglecting the human aspect of education. Louisa's journey serves as a cautionary tale, prompting reflection on the broader implications of an education system solely focused on utilitarian ideals.