Charles Dickens is a renowned English novelist and social commentator who has been widely celebrated for his literary works by avid readers even today. He is one of the most iconic authors of the Victorian era. Throughout his career, he wrote 15 novels, five novellas, and over 50 short stories, and his writings have been translated into more than 40 languages.

Early Life of Charles Dickens

Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on February 7th, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, to John and Elizabeth Dickens. He was the second of eight children. His father was a clerk in the Navy Pay Office, providing enough money for Dickens to attend school as a child. However, his father went through financial troubles and was sent to a debtors’ prison in 1824. The Dickens family had to be evicted from their home, leaving Dickens and his siblings to fend for themselves. At 12, Dickens was forced to leave school and work at Warren’s Blacking Warehouse, where he earned 6 shillings per week, pasting labels onto shoe polish bottles.

This experience was incredibly difficult for young Charles, profoundly influencing his future writing, including his portrayal of poverty and children’s experiences at work. His novels, like David Copperfield and Oliver Twist, often dealt with the plight of the poor and the injustices of the social class system. He was also known for his vivid characterization, undoubtedly influenced by the people he encountered in his childhood.

Dickens eventually returned to school and was able to study for a short time. He later worked as a clerk for a law firm and later as a journalist. At this time, he also began writing under the pen name “Boz.” In 1836, Dickens started to write fiction, and his first novel, The Pickwick Papers, was published in 1837. It was an instant success, and Dickens enjoyed a successful career as a novelist and journalist.

Literary Career

Charles Dickens showcased an incredible range of talent and expertise through his novels, short stories, plays, and weekly journal entries. His works are renowned for their humor, social commentary, and pathos. His unique style of writing was often humorous and satirical, reflecting the injustices of poverty through the lens of compassion. Dickens became an icon of the Victorian period through his vivid characterizations and descriptions of 19th-century life.

He is best known for his works Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, The Pickwick Papers, and Nicholas Nickleby, exploring themes such as poverty, injustice, love, and redemption with vivid details and memorably-crafted characters. His literary works have been adapted into countless films, television shows, and stage productions worldwide.

Dickens also created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters, such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Miss Havisham, Pip, and many more.

A Christmas Carol and Ebenezer Scrooge

His most famous work, A Christmas Carol, was published in 1843 and instantly became a holiday favorite. The story follows the cold-hearted and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he learns to appreciate the spirit of Christmas after being visited by three ghosts who show him past, present, and future events. This story teaches readers the importance of selflessness and generosity.

Dickens’s vivid imagery and characterization make this classic book a must-read every year around Christmas time. Since its original publication, A Christmas Carol has been adapted into numerous versions and retellings from film to theater to television programs furthering its reach across generations and cultures.

Catherine Hogarth

Dickens met his wife, Catherine Hogarth, in 1835 when he was 23, and she was 19. Catherine’s father, George Hogarth, was an editor for the magazine Dickens was writing for, The Morning Chronicle. Dickens and Catherine married the following year in April 1836, and in the following years, Catherine bore him ten children.

In 1858 Dickens and his wife separated, although they never officially divorced. Dickens ended up living with a young actress named Ellen Ternan, with whom he had a close relationship until he died in 1870.

Passing

His life and career were cut short when he died from a stroke on July 9th, 1870, in Kent, England. He was 58 years old at the time of his passing.

Charles Dickens

Nikolai Gogol

Oscar Wilde

Anna Sewell

Henrik Ibsen

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’ Books

Novels

Short Stories

Short Story Collections

Magazine

Play

Non-fiction

Letters

Poetry

Adaptations of Charles Dickens’ Works by Other Authors

Charles Dickens Biography

Early Life of Charles Dickens

Literary Career

A Christmas Carol and Ebenezer Scrooge

Catherine Hogarth

Passing