The Circus in Hard Times

Some would say that the circus symbolizes amusement, or the need people have for amusement and entertainment. But although this is true, the circus also represents something..... something more simple, and that is a contradiction to Gradgrind's theory that the world needs to revolve around "facts" and nothing but "facts". Gradgrind is completely organized; the circus thrives on chaos. Gradgrind's world revolves around patterns, a world that can be calculated from beginning to end. The circus has no pattern, and yet, its lack of discernible activity culminates in a perfect end.... at least for the spectators.