Was Dr. Hoskin a bad man?

Dr. Hoskins was not a bad man. Edith initially doesn't like his looks, as she judges people on their appearance, and Hoskins turns out to be an example of her poor judgment. Hoskins is detached, his job is his priority, but over the course of the novel, we come to see that in reality he is exhausted, overworked, and dedicated to his work. He is a fully rounded character, who is intent upon satisfying economic and scientific needs while also satisfying his better nature. Hoskins is a complex man with a basically decent nature, who must constantly make compromises among his many duties.