Reading Charles Dickens

     Charles Dickens is one of the most memorable writers of the Victorian Era, having written many classics including, but not limited to, A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, and A Tale of Two Cities. While many examples of past popular literature maintained relevance during the time period and current events of the time, Dickens' work remains relevant, and popular, in today's time because of the similar issues and events that occur. In many of Dickens' novels, he provides social criticism towards a class-based society with little morality and empathy towards the lower classes. While there is more equity between classes in modern times, Dickens' works serve as a reminder of human compassion we are to have to the less fortunate.

    In the TED talk, "Why Should You Read Charles Dickens," by Iseult Gillespie, he mentions that "to describe a novel as Dickensian is typically high praise, as it suggests a story in which true adventure and discovery occur in the most unexpected places," (4:35-4:46). Dickens' work is separate from others' as it provides a source of enjoyment by the reader, and the sense of excitement and adventure in conditions that are less than favorable. It is not just a hero rising from the ashes of a decimated world or the poor girl becoming a princess at the end of a story. Rather, it displays that ordinary people can enjoy life and discover new things without having to do anything spectacular. It is more encouraging to society, especially the lower, and today middle, classes, because it is obtainable. Charles Dickens is not just a common name in literature because of his popular works in the past, but also because of the popularity of his works today.


Gillespie, Iseult. "Why Should You Read Charles Dickens." TED, December 2017, https://www.ted.com/talks/iseult_gillespie_why_should_you_read_charles_dickens?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare.

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