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Charles Dickens

Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day, five years to the day after the Staplehurst rail crash, he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.
years of life: 7 February 1812 9 June 1870

Quotes

Alinehas quoted2 years ago
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wis- dom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities in- sisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
Bardolatorhas quoted2 years ago
Home had never been a very pleasant place to me,
b5502215631has quoted2 years ago
The persons on whom I have bestowed my dearest love, lie deep in their graves; but, although the happiness and delight of my life lie buried there too, I have not made a coffin of my heart, and sealed it up, forever, on my best affections. Deep affliction has but strengthened and refined them.'

Impressions

bessonyashared an impression2 years ago
👍Worth reading

The first time I was ever introduced to this book was in the middle school, 5th grade I believe. It immediately impressed me and altered my brain even though I was still a child and I couldn’t fully understand what it was about. And now, coming back to this book I can reasonably ensure you that it’s one of the best I’ve ever read in my life (and I read a lot). Now I can finally understand its meaning more deeply than I’ve ever had. In short, this book is appropriate for all age groups because the story always stays the same it is just your interpretation that changes, and I find extremely delightful, comparing your thoughts and ideas to the ones you had before. For me, “A Christmas Carol” is a symbol of growing up but deeply inside still being that little child you once were, trying to find where your parents hide your Christmas gifts this time.

  • Charles Dickens
    A Christmas Carol
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  • Fy Antra Lalaina Liantsoa NY ONY ANDRIANINAshared an impression6 months ago
    👍Worth reading

    The coolest thing I've ever read

    em 💌shared an impressionlast year
    👍Worth reading

    long but decent

  • Charles Dickens
    Great Expectations
    • 7.8K
    • 897
    • 29
    • 241
    Free
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