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Charles Dickens and 19th-Century England - Coggle Diagram
Charles Dickens and 19th-Century England
Teacher: Misis. Jei
Writing Style
Realism:
Portrayed the everyday struggles of the poor and working class with vivid detail.
Addressed social injustices, particularly the mistreatment of children, poor labor conditions, and corrupt institutions.
Satire and Social Critique:
Used humor and irony to expose societal flaws, especially in areas like education (Nicholas Nickleby), law (Bleak House), and class divides (Great Expectations).
Often blended tragedy with comedy to highlight the resilience of his characters despite dire circumstances.
Memorable Characters:
Known for creating unique, multi-dimensional characters who reflect various aspects of society.
Examples include:
Pip (Great Expectations): A young boy struggling with ambition and identity.
Oliver (Oliver Twist): An orphan enduring hardship while seeking kindness.
Scrooge (A Christmas Carol): A miser transformed by the spirit of Christmas.
Themes in His Works:
Explored themes such as poverty, social inequality, justice, and redemption.
Frequently depicted childhood struggles, often drawn from his own experiences working in a factory as a boy.
Innovative Techniques:
Pioneered the use of cliffhangers in serialized novels to keep readers engaged.
Wove multiple subplots into his stories, creating rich, interconnected narratives.
Dickens’ Career
Early Career:
Began working as a law clerk, which exposed him to the legal system, a recurring theme in his works.
Transitioned to journalism in his teens, writing for The Mirror of Parliament and The True Sun.
In 1836, started publishing Sketches by Boz, a series of essays and short stories depicting London life.
His first serialized novel, The Pickwick Papers, gained immense popularity and marked the start of his literary fame.
Development of Career:
Mastered the art of serialized publication, releasing chapters of novels in magazines to create suspense and engage readers.
His serialized works, such as Oliver Twist and David Copperfield, often sparked public anticipation and discussion, making him a household name.
Continued writing prolifically, producing 15 major novels, several short stories, essays, and plays throughout his lifetime.