Otázka: Seasons of the Year
Jazyk: Angličtina
Přidal(a): Terkusia
Charles Dickens was one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. His works are still widely read and loved today. Let’s look at his life and his most important works.
Life of Charles Dickens
- Born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England.
- Dickens had a difficult childhood. His father, John Dickens, worked as a clerk but often struggled with debt. In 1824, John was sent to a debtors‘ prison, and 12-year-old Charles had to leave school to work in a blacking factory, labeling bottles to support his family.
- This experience left a deep mark on Dickens and influenced his later writings, which often highlighted social injustices and the plight of the poor.
- After his father was released from prison, Dickens returned to school for a short time but left again at age 15 to work as an office boy at a law firm. He later became a reporter covering parliamentary debates and gained a reputation for his sharp observations and vivid descriptions.
- Dickens’s first book, „The Pickwick Papers,“ was published in 1836 and became very popular. This success allowed him to focus on writing full-time.
- He married Catherine Hogarth in 1836, and they had ten children. However, their marriage was not happy, and they separated in 1858.
- Dickens was known for his energetic public readings of his works, which were very popular and added to his fame.
- He was also involved in various social causes, including education reform and children’s rights.
- Dickens died on June 9, 1870, from a stroke and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Major Works of Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens wrote many novels, novellas, and short stories that are still widely read today. His works often addressed social issues and featured memorable characters. Here are some of his most significant works:
- Oliver Twist
- The story of a young orphan, Oliver, who faces many hardships in London.
- Themes: Poverty, child labor, and the criminal underworld.
- A Christmas Carol
- The story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who learns the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by three ghosts.
- Themes: Redemption, compassion, and the spirit of Christmas.
- David Copperfield
- A semi-autobiographical novel about the life of David Copperfield, from his unhappy childhood to his success as a writer.
- Themes: Personal growth, resilience, and the importance of kindness.
- A Tale of Two Cities
- Set during the French Revolution, it tells the story of Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton.
- Themes: Sacrifice, resurrection, and the impact of historical events on individuals.
