The works of Charles Dickens

Born on the 7^th of February 1812 to a middleclass family, Dickens experienced a childhood that shaped his literary style. Though his father made a decent living – he worked as a treasurer for the navy – he had a tendency to overspend his funds. His accumulation of debt lead to an imprisonment, which forced the young Charles to quit school and work in a factory. The harsh working conditions in factories and living conditions of the working class are recurring themes in the Dickens’ books.

Charles finally continued his studies after his father’s release, but quit school shortly after. He pursued a job as reporter in legal courts, where he acquired knowledge (and a slight disdain) for the judicial system. His experience as a report proved handy as he started writing for a liberalistic newspaper. His political views were shaped during his time as a reporter. But Dickens’ passions did not lie in writing, he actually dreamed of one day becoming an actor.

And thus he pursued a career in acting, while still continuing to write for magazines and newspapers. Dickens wrote works of fiction and essays, but his fictional writings received more appreciation. Often during the 19^th century, authors released their novels periodically through newspapers or magazines, a format that is more often called a ‘feuilleton’. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a classic example of a feuilleton, as the chapters can be read separately from each other. Through this format Dickens released his first hit, known to many as Oliver Twist.

Oliver Twist

Most people are already familiar with the story of Oliver Twist, at the very least of the scene where Oliver asks for more food. The story explores the hardships of the destitute, and the correlation between crime and poverty. Oliver Twist tells the story of Oliver, an orphan living in a shelter with horrid conditions. Oliver gets in trouble after asking for more food, and decides to finally run away from the orphanage. He manages to escape to the city of London, where he meets a band of pickpockets.

The book received critical acclaim upon its release, partially due to its periodical release. The book also voiced criticism towards the ill-treatment of the impoverished in London, a theme that reoccurs in most of Dickens’ work.

A Christmas Carol

Dickens wrote and published A Christmas Carol in 1843. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemption is well-known amongst many, with more than 200 adaptations since its release. Scrooge is a misanthropic, covetous, and selfish man. After being visited by the spirits of Christmas, he realises that he has to change and do good for the world. A Christmas Carol was originally released with illustrations by Arthur Rackham, these can be found in the Chiltern Classics edition.

David Copperfield

Between 1849 and 1850, Dickens wrote and released David Copperfield. A book with many autobiographical elements. David grows up in poverty, but dreams of one day becoming a great and respected author. The book tells the story of his quest to fame and fortune. As mentioned earlier this book contains many autobiographical elements, with many of the characters taking inspiration from people out of Dickens’ own life.

A Tale of Two Cities

Throughout his life Dickens continued to write for magazines, but in 1859 he released a masterpiece that would remain the best sold novel written in English. A Tale of Two Cities tells the story of two cities during the French Revolution. Set in Paris and London, the story details the lives of two men; a French aristocrat and an English lawyer. Without spoiling too much, A Tale of Two Cities is a beautifully written novel with a memorable ending. With over 200 million copies sold worldwide, this book holds the title of best sold English literary work.

Great Expectations

Great Expectations was the next project Dickens worked on. The story of Pip who loses his parents at a young age and is raised by his elder sister and her husband. Pip dreams of one day becoming a gentleman, and mysteriously has his wish granted with the help of a mysterious benefactor. Our hero travels to London where he receives an education. Pip’s future is marked with great expectations, but his life changes completely as soon as he discovers who his benefactor is.

Final years

Dickens moved out of London in 1860, at the age of 48. He wrote his last complete novel Our Mutual Friend in 1865. This is his most complex work according to most experts as it contains his criticisms of the class hierarchy in England. Unfortunately not as commercially successful or known as his other works, but still worth a read for fans of the writer. Dickens passed away in his home five years after releasing his last book.

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