Setting was early 19th century in America, after industrial revolution. Conflict is person vs. society I guess and climax is always when Charlie got a chance and tried to make them succeed. Unfortunately always ended in fail.
Theme was that don't lose the original purpose. In the movie's factory scene people tried to make use of machine evolutions and introduce new techniques but it seemed as if people were used by machines. Or through the movie police men tried to catch the offender and miss other crimes, these all misplace their priorities.
In the movie eating, sleeping or owing our own home was symbol of hope. Charlie and young girl dreamed to have their home and made efforts to get the job or make money.
Irony was that industrial revolution which were supposed to improve people's life made situations worse.
