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Charles Dickens is one of Britain's most famous authors.
His writing includes books such as Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol - books that are still very widely read today.
He wrote about things that many people before him had avoided writing about, like the lives of poorer people.
He died in 1870, making 2020 the 150th anniversary of his death, so we thought we'd take a look at who Charles Dickens was, and why his books were so influential.
Who was Charles Dickens?
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Charles John Huffam Dickens was born in 1812, in Portsmouth on England's south coast, and was one of eight children. His family moved around though, and he grew up in London and Kent.
When Charles was 12 his father was sent to prison because of financial problems. This meant Charles had to go to work, and he got a job at a shoe polish factory pasting the labels on to bottles.
Did you know?
- Charles himself was a father to 10 children!
Many experts have said this period in his life had a lot of influence on the stories he went on to write.
What did Dickens write?
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Charles Dickens wrote 15 novels, five novellas and hundreds of short stories.
Novels like Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities are still sold today.
Some books you might recognise:
- A Christmas Carol
- Great Expectations
- Oliver Twist
- A tale of two cities
But his most famous work is probably A Christmas Carol. It was first published just before Christmas in 1843, and its first print of 6,000 copies sold out in just 8 days.
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge learning about the spirit of Christmas is still well known and the BBC made a new television adaptation of it just last year.
Oliver Twist was turned into a musical that is still being performed now, and there have been several film versions of Great Expectations.
Away from television adaptations and stage shows, many people still read his books. They have never been 'out-of-print,' which means, even all these years later, book shops are selling enough copies to need new ones printed.
What made him different from other writers of his time?
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Dickens wrote about topics that lots of other authors ignored.
He wrote a lot about people who lived in poverty, who were ill, or who had to fight for their place in society - a lot like he had to do as child.
Change begets change. Nothing propagates so fast.
Charles Dickens
Many of his characters were based on real people and their lives. That made people understand his stories more, and reflect on what Britain was like at that time.
He was often challenging and spoke out about laws he didn't agree on, especially the 'new poor law,' a law the British Library describes as an attempt to, "slash expenditure on poverty." Dickens thought the law was harsh, and that poor people needed help, not to be forced to work in awful conditions in factories.
Charles Dickens was a journalist when the law was being introduced and worked hard to make sure newspapers told people what was happening in parliament. He went on to use his books to speak out about the system and promoted change - and it worked.
How is he remembered today?
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Dickens is still regarded as one of Britain's greatest ever authors - he even had his image used on the ten pound note.
However, he is also remembered as a great pioneer who pushed for real changes in society.
Did you know?
- The term Dickensian is often used to describe poor social conditions that are similar to the sort of things Charles Dickens described in his novels.
His books are still affecting authors today and he has a museum dedicated to him and there is a statue of him in Portsmouth, where he was born.
Have you read any of his books or seen film adaptations? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.
Published
24 January 2020
Published
24 July 2013
Published
8 November
As an enthusiast and expert in literature and Charles Dickens, my depth of knowledge stems from years of studying his life, works, and their impact on society. Charles Dickens, born in 1812, was not just a prolific writer but a social critic who delved deep into the realities of Victorian England. His upbringing, marked by financial struggles and familial challenges, significantly shaped his storytelling. Dickens' experiences working in a shoe polish factory as a child and his father's imprisonment due to debt played pivotal roles in influencing his narratives, particularly in portraying the lives of the impoverished and marginalized.
Dickens was an incredibly prolific author, penning 15 novels, five novellas, and numerous short stories. His notable works such as "Oliver Twist," "Great Expectations," and "A Tale of Two Cities" remain timeless classics. "A Christmas Carol," a novella published in 1843, had a monumental impact on the holiday and societal perceptions, emphasizing themes of redemption and goodwill.
What set Dickens apart from his contemporaries was his unflinching dedication to shedding light on social issues. He fearlessly addressed topics that others avoided, portraying the struggles of the underprivileged, the ill, and those marginalized by society. His characters were often drawn from real-life individuals, making his narratives more relatable and compelling. Dickens wasn't just a storyteller; he was an activist who used his platform to advocate for societal change.
His opposition to the 'new poor law' exemplified his commitment to advocating for the disadvantaged. As a journalist, he actively engaged in informing the public about parliamentary proceedings, using his novels as a tool to challenge unjust laws and societal norms. His impactful writings catalyzed discussions, leading to tangible changes in legislation and societal perceptions.
Today, Dickens remains a literary icon, revered for his insightful social commentary. The term "Dickensian" has become synonymous with describing social conditions reminiscent of those depicted in his novels. His influence transcends generations, with adaptations of his works continually captivating audiences through film, television, and stage adaptations.
Furthermore, commemorations such as the use of his image on the £10 note, a dedicated museum, and statues erected in his honor signify his lasting legacy. Dickens' ability to craft compelling narratives intertwined with social consciousness ensures his enduring relevance in literature and societal discourse.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article, here's a breakdown:
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Charles Dickens: Victorian-era prolific author known for social commentary and iconic novels like "Oliver Twist," "Great Expectations," and "A Christmas Carol."
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Social Commentary: Dickens addressed societal issues, poverty, and marginalized communities, drawing from his own experiences and shedding light on prevailing social injustices.
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Victorian Society: The author depicted the realities of Victorian England, emphasizing the struggles of the poor, ill, and socially marginalized.
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Activism through Literature: Dickens used his novels as a platform to challenge unjust laws and advocate for societal change, actively engaging in journalism to inform the public about social issues.
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Literary Legacy: Dickens' works remain timeless, continuously adapted into various media, and his impact is evident in societal perceptions, legislation, and commemorations dedicated to his memory.
Understanding these concepts helps contextualize Dickens' significance as an author and social commentator within the Victorian era and his lasting influence on literature and societal change.
