Honors Theses
Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
English
First Advisor
Natalie Schroeder
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
The process of writing this thesis to complete my requirements for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College began with a Directed Reading of five novels by Charles Dickens-Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, Bleak House, Hard Times, and A Christmas Carol. My intent was to investigate poverty present in the Victorian Era of England through these works of Charles Dickens. Upon further investigation, I focused my intent on questioning the social injustice attacked in each novel and the subsequent power that Dickens uses to fight this injustice. To begin with, Oliver Twist instituted a harsh indictment on the workhouse system. Yet, the innate goodness found in Oliver and the good Samaritans that he meets along the way are able to withstand the rough experiences he faces throughout his young life. In Nicholas Nickleby, Charles Dickens attacks the infamous Yorkshire schools. Once again, it is kindness, charity, and benevolence that make a difference for Nicholas during his journey. Bleak House delivers a powerful blow to the Court of Chancery and its v resulting effects of poverty as represented by Jo, the brickmakers , and the urban slum of Tom-All-Alone' s. Though there is textual evidence to support a despairing conclusion, Dickens also illustrates hope for the renovation of England in characters such as Allan Woodcourt. Dickens' Hard Times attacks the vast industrialization and subsequent dehumanization of England's laborers. Particularly seen in the character of Stephen Blackpool, the author gives his reader insight into the harsh realities of the daily life of the factory worker. To combat this dehumanization of society. Dickens promotes the tenets of imagination and heart. Finally, A Christmas Carol's glimpse at the past, present, and future of the life of Ebenezer Scrooge paints a clear picture of the many problems of the nineteenth century. However, it. too. demonstrates the possibility for change as witnessed in the transformation of Scrooge. In conclusion, I feel that Charles Dickens' uniqueness lies in his ability to combine the elements of social despair with his abounding personal faith It is this love that is the hope for combating the elements of social injustice in the in the power of love to overcome. works of Charles Dickens.
Recommended Citation
Ferris, Emily Katherine, "Ignorance and Want in the Works of Charles Dickens" (2004). Honors Theses. 2000.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2000
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