Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English novelist known for his vivid portrayals of the lives of the poor in Victorian London. He had an erratic childhood education and was forced to work in a factory after his father was imprisoned for debt. As an adult, he worked as a reporter and began publishing short stories and novels that became hugely popular, including Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and David Copperfield. His works often dealt with themes of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of childhood. Though successful, Dickens had an unhappy married life and engaged in extramarital affairs. He remains one of the most famous English authors of the 19th century due to his depictions of life

1. Charles Dickens 1812-1870 Loyola Academy English Department English Literature Mr. Simon

2. Family Life Father – John Dickens Mother – Elizabeth Barrow Father was a Navel clerk Financially comfortable and then destitute Parents were sent to a Debtors Prison

3. Dickens’ early years Family imprisoned for debt Young Charles forced to work in shoe factory: Warrens Blacking Factory Mostly self-educated – erratic schooling In 1827, he took a job as a legal clerk He then worked as a reporter in courts and in Parliament

4. Married Life and Family Katherine Hogarth: not a happy woman 9 children Mistress: Ellen Turner- London Actress Spent much of his time in London Not a good family man Settled down to comfortable, married, middle class life

5. Early Writing Career He wrote short humorous sketches with pictures by Boz which became known as Pickwick Papers Became famous in a short period of time and wildly popular among devoted readers awaiting his next installment Gave numerous public readings for $$$, worldwide

6. Success as a Novelist Nickolas Nickleby 1839 Oliver Twist 1839 The Old Curiosity Shop 1841 Barnaby Rudge 1841 Martin Chuzzlewitt 1843 Dombey and Son 1849 David Copperfield 1850 Bleak House 1853 Hard Times 1854 Little Dorritt 1857 A Tale of Two Cities 1859 Great Expectations 1861

7. Major Themes in Dickens’ fiction Loneliness of childhood Oppression of poverty Uncertainty of love and marriage Indifference of social institutions Sustaining joy of family life Perseverance and sacrifice in face of untold hardships and injustice Many autobiographical links between life and writings of Dickens

8. Themes Docks Aristocracy- wealth, rich, land and power Child labor- Oliver Twist Family life Lost love and unattainable women Dickens’ main characters greatly resemble himself and his life

9. Most famous successful work A Christmas Carol 1843 Enduring holiday favorite Amusing elements of supernatural, melodrama, humor, and pathos Extremely optimistic tale of redemption for Ebeneezer Scrooge, archetypal miser Remains a sentimental classic

10. Twilight of Dickens’Career Our Mutual Friend 1865 The Mystery of Edwin Drood unfinished when Dickens died suddenly from a stroke in June, 1870 His death was mourned by thousands when he was buried at Westminster Abbey five days after his death

11. The Victorian Period Queen Victoria 1819-1901 At the age of 18 Victoria inherited the throne, she reigned for 64 years “ The sun never sets on the Queen’s empire” the power and influence of Britain around the world She died a lonely ruler

12. The Industrial Revolution Villagers moved to the cities = factories = jobs= smoke= pollution = backbreaking labor= death vs. luxury side by side with poverty “ It was the best of time; it was the worst of times. Dickens – A Tale of Two Cities

13. London and the Times

14. Dickens and Christmas The first Christmas Card, Tree and Holiday Traditions

15. Dickens legacy and links He remains the foremost 19 th century British writer of fiction Amazing and detailed depiction of lifestyle and issues of a transforming industrial and urban landscape Vivid and dramatic dialogue Profession as court reporter enhanced awareness of social inequities http://www.underthesun.cc/Classics/Dickens/ humwww.ucsc.edu/dickens/ http://www.literature.org/authors/dickens-charles