Characters and Themes in Dickens' Works

Dickens revolutionized the English novel by focusing on characters from lower social classes, creating memorable figures that have become immortal in English literature.

Example: Iconic Dickens characters include Mr. Pickwick, Mr. Gradgrind, and Scrooge.

His characterization technique involved exaggerating habits and language, particularly of London's middle and lower classes. This approach allowed him to critique social peculiarities and ambitions without resorting to harsh sarcasm.

Highlight: Dickens consistently championed the cause of the poor, the outcast, and the working class in his novels.

Children play a central role in Dickens' works, often portrayed as moral teachers in contrast to flawed adult characters. This reversal of the natural order serves to highlight social injustices and moral values.

Quote: "Children are the most important characters in Dickens's novels."

Dickens' writing had a didactic aim, seeking to educate wealthier classes about the plight of the poor without alienating his middle-class readership. His works effectively raised awareness of social problems among the educated classes.

The author's distinctive style is characterized by:

• Graphic and powerful descriptions
• Careful choice of adjectives
• Repetition of words and structures
• Juxtaposition of images and ideas
• Use of hyperbole and irony

Vocabulary: Didactic - Intended to teach or educate.

Dickens' narrative style was influenced by various sources, including the Bible, fairy tales, fables, 18th-century novelists, and Gothic novels. While his plots were well-planned, they sometimes appeared artificial or sentimental due to the pressure of serialized publication.

Charles Dickens: Life and Literary Career

Charles Dickens, one of the most influential English authors, was born in Portsmouth in 1812. His life and works profoundly impacted English literature and social reform.

Highlight: Dickens' unhappy childhood, including his father's imprisonment for debt and his own experience working in a factory at age 12, greatly influenced his writing.

Dickens' early career saw him working as a law office boy and studying at night. His journalistic career began in 1832 as a parliamentary reporter, which honed his observational skills.

Example: Dickens' first published story appeared in 1833, marking the beginning of his literary career.

In 1836, Dickens adopted the pen name 'Boz' and published "Sketches by 'Boz'", a collection that showcased his talent for describing London's people and scenes. The same year, he began publishing "The Pickwick Papers" in instalments, revealing his humor and satirical prowess.

Vocabulary: Instalment - A part of a serial publication.

Dickens' personal life saw significant changes in 1836 when he married Catherine and became the editor of Bentley's Miscellany. His literary career flourished with the publication of several notable works:

• Oliver Twist (1837-1839)
• Nicholas Nickleby (1839)
• American Notes (1842)
• Martin Chuzzlewit (1844)
• A Christmas Carol (1843)

Quote: "Oliver Twist was begun in 1837 and was published in monthly instalments until April 1839."

Dickens' later works, including "David Copperfield" (1850), "Little Dorrit" (1857), and "Great Expectations" (1861), further cemented his reputation as a master storyteller and social critic.

Definition: Autobiographical novel - A work of fiction that draws heavily from the author's own life experiences.

Dickens passed away in Kent in 1870, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest novelists in the English language. He was honored with burial in Westminster Abbey, a testament to his immense cultural impact.