Charles Dickens

Political and Social Views in the Victoria Era.Devon AndersonTroy University

Charles DickensCharles Dickens was born February 7, 1812 in Landsport, Portsmouth. He was the son of John Dickens, a socialite who spent much of his time ascending the social ladder society. Charles was formaly educated in many of the best schools, but due to his fathers neglect and attention to being one of the social elite, his family eventually ended up in Marshalsea debtors prison. This would mark a turning point in young Charles life, as a result of his fathers imprisonment, young Charles was forced into a life of employment in the factories that employed child labor. His experiences in these factories would eventually lead to the development of many of the characters that appear in his stories.

Purpose of PaperThe purpose of the paper was to identify

recurrent themes within the works of Charles Dickens. The author had chosen to concentrate on the political and social views that were the focal point of Dickens stories. The following stories were chosen for this paper.

Great ExpectationsA Christmas CarolDavid Copperfield

Great Expectations

I thought I heard Miss Havisham answer--only it seemed so unlikely, "Well? You can break his heart." (Chapter 8).

Summary of Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations by Charles Dickens is a

story that focuses on the life of a young boy named Pirrip who seeks to obtain the affection of young girl Estella. As he quickly learns, during the Victorian age, wealth determines an individuals place in society. He vows to escalate himself up the social ladder and become a gentleman. His ultimate goal is to win the affection of the lovely Estella.

Identify Themes within Great Expectations.

Social ThemesPips desire to become a gentleman and climb

the social ladder.InheritancePips desire to maintain a relationship with

Joe regardless of Pips success.Political ThemesMrs. Havisham’s desire to mold Estella in her

image to break the hearts of men.

Conclusion Charles Dickens may have drawn upon

his fathers own desire to maintain a position within the social scene. His father’s desire to maintain his position eventually lead to his fathers time in debtors prison. This may have been his basis for this story.

A Christmas Carol“Darkness is cheap, and Scrooge liked it.”

Summary of a Christmas Carol One of Charles Dickens most famous

and loved story is a Christmas Carol. This story is more a moral than it is a story of themes. Ebenezer Scrooge is a business owner who only thinks of turning a profit and cares nothing for his employee Mr. Cratchit. Mr. Scrooges evil ways have prompted three spirits to show him his mistakes and what will come of him if he doesn't fix his wicked ways.

Themes Identified in a Christmas CarolSocial ThemesMr. Scrooges treatment of his employee Mr.

Cratchit.Mr. Cratchit’s meager living conditions and

the that his son will die if Mr. Scrooge dosen’t pay him better.

Mr. Scrooges dislike for human life.Political ThemesLow wages for Mr. CratchitNo government regulation on industry.

Conclusion of a Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol is a story that is a more

a moral story or warning to those who were in charge of the industrial era. Charles was a child when he worked inside the factories and probably knew of number of people who could’ve been the persona of Mr. Scrooge. Scrooge was the personification of capitalism and the three spirits of Christmas gave him the option to change his future only if he changed his wicked ways.

David Copperfield"It's in vain, Trot, to recall the past, unless it works some influence upon the present."

Summary of David Copperfield David Copperfield is one Charles Dickens

most personal stories. David is a young boy who losses his father at a young age and his mother remarries. David and his stepfather Mr. Mudstone don’t see eye to eye on things and David is sent away to boarding school. David’s mother dies and the young lad is sent to work in the factories. David experiences some misfortune and sets out to seek his last remaining family. The story continues on through his life and how he has changed since his rough childhood.

Themes in David CopperfieldSocial ThemesThe loss of David’s mother lands him working

in a industrial factory.David’s life improves after he locates his aunt

and lives with her.The interaction between David and Mr.

Mudstone is not a very stable environment.Political ThemesDebtors are sent to prison once they are

declared bankrupt.No government regulation on child

exploitation.

Conclusion of David Copperfield Dickens story is clearly a reflection upon

his difficult life growing up as a child. David's life develops just as Charles did as a child. Much of the experiences that are portrayed in this story were experienced by Charles Dickens. He drew upon his own experiences and produce an autobiographical story of his own life.

What have we learned about Charles Dickens His views on society as a whole were

significant influences in his work.He wrote from his experiences as a child and

in his adult life.Many of the social problems that exited

during his time were the basis for many of his stories.

There was the potential that he hoped society would change its wicked ways and that things would improve eventually.

He championed human rights.

Questions and Answers?