Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a renowned English novelist and social critic, famous for works like “A Christmas Carol” and “Great Expectations.” His vivid characters and depictions of Victorian society have left a lasting impact on literature.
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles John Huffam Dickens |
| Birth Date | 7 February 1812 |
| Death Date | 9 June 1870 |
| Nationality | English |
| Professions | Novelist, Journalist, Short Story Writer, Social Critic |
| Notable Works |
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| Early Life | Born in Portsmouth, left school at age 12 to work in a boot-blacking factory when his father was in a debtors’ prison. |
| Career Highlights |
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| Literary Contributions |
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| Legacy |
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Early Life
Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Landport, Portsmouth, England. He was the second of eight children to John and Elizabeth Dickens. The family moved to Chatham, Kent, when Charles was five years old, where he spent a significant part of his childhood and developed a passion for reading. Unfortunately, his father’s financial difficulties led the family to relocate to Camden Town, a poor neighborhood in London, when Charles was ten. This move had a profound impact on young Dickens, as he was forced to leave school at the age of twelve to work at a blacking factory, labeling bottles to help support his family. These early experiences of hardship and poverty deeply influenced his later works and provided a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by the lower class in Victorian England.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | John Dickens | John Dickens was a clerk in the Navy Pay Office. He was known for his good humor but struggled with financial difficulties, which greatly influenced Charles’ writing. |
| Mother | Elizabeth Dickens | Elizabeth Dickens, née Barrow, aspired to be a teacher and school director. Her practical nature clashed with her husband’s financial imprudence. |
| Sibling | Fanny Dickens | Frances “Fanny” Dickens was Charles’ older sister. She was musically talented and attended the Royal Academy of Music. Her early death deeply affected Charles. |
| Sibling | Alfred Dickens | Alfred Lamert Dickens was an engineer and worked in Australia. His life was less troubled than some of his siblings, but he too struggled financially. |
| Sibling | Letitia Dickens | Letitia Mary Dickens led a relatively private life compared to her famous brother. She lived with the Dickens family and supported them in various ways. |
| Sibling | Frederick Dickens | Frederick William Dickens had a troubled life, struggling with alcoholism and financial instability. He was the inspiration for some of Charles’ characters. |
| Sibling | Augustus Dickens | Augustus Newnham Dickens emigrated to America, where he faced various hardships. Despite his struggles, he remained close to Charles through correspondence. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Chest | Unknown |
| Waist | Unknown |
| Hips | Unknown |
| Shoe Size | Unknown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Charles Dickens is not currently alive, so he does not have a current relationship status. He passed away on June 9, 1870.
Charles Dickens was married to Catherine Thomson Hogarth. They got married on April 2, 1836.
About Catherine Hogarth: Catherine was the daughter of George Hogarth, a music critic and composer. She was known for her calm and gentle demeanor. Catherine and Charles had ten children together, but their marriage encountered difficulties, and they eventually separated in 1858.
| Name | Relationship Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Catherine Thomson Hogarth | Wife | Married on April 2, 1836. Separated in 1858. |
| Maria Beadnell | Girlfriend | Charles Dickens had a youthful romance with Maria Beadnell, whom he met in 1830. Their relationship ended in 1833. |
| Ellen Ternan | Girlfriend | Charles Dickens had a long-term relationship with Ellen Ternan, an actress, which began around 1857 after his separation from Catherine. |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
How He Became Famous
Charles Dickens became famous for his vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and keen social commentary. His serialization of novels in periodicals made his works highly accessible to a broad audience, contributing significantly to his popularity. The serialized format allowed readers to engage with his stories over time, creating a strong following and anticipation for each new installment.
How His Career Started
Charles Dickens began his literary career as a journalist, writing for several newspapers. His first published story was “A Dinner at Poplar Walk” in 1833. Dickens’ career as a novelist took off with the publication of “The Pickwick Papers” in 1836, which was serialized and became an immediate success.
Popular Works
- Oliver Twist (1837-1839)
- A Christmas Carol (1843)
- David Copperfield (1849-1850)
- Bleak House (1852-1853)
- Great Expectations (1860-1861)
- A Tale of Two Cities (1859)
Awards
During his lifetime, Charles Dickens did not receive formal literary awards in the way that contemporary authors do. However, he was highly celebrated and recognized for his contributions to literature. He received widespread acclaim from both critics and the public, ensuring his place as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era.
Controversies
Despite his popularity, Charles Dickens was not without controversy. Some of the notable controversies include:
- Personal Life: Dickens’ separation from his wife, Catherine, in 1858 caused a public scandal. The separation was widely discussed, and Dickens’ treatment of Catherine was criticized.
- Views on Social Issues: While Dickens is celebrated for his social commentary, some critics argue that his depictions of certain groups, such as Jews in “Oliver Twist,” were stereotypical and offensive.
- Relationship with Ellen Ternan: Dickens had a close relationship with a young actress named Ellen Ternan, which was the subject of much speculation and gossip. The nature of their relationship remains a topic of debate among scholars.
Faq
Who Was Charles Dickens?
Charles Dickens was an English writer and social critic. He is regarded as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era, known for creating some of the world’s best-known fictional characters and for his prolific output of novels, short stories, and articles.
What Are Some Of Charles Dickens’ Most Famous Works?
Some of Charles Dickens’ most famous works include “A Tale of Two Cities,” “Great Expectations,” “David Copperfield,” “Oliver Twist,” and “A Christmas Carol.”
When Was Charles Dickens Born And When Did He Die?
Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, and he died on June 9, 1870.
What Themes Did Charles Dickens Commonly Explore In His Works?
Charles Dickens commonly explored themes such as social inequality, poverty, and the struggles of the working class. He also delved into issues of justice and reform, often highlighting the harsh conditions of Victorian society.
Did Charles Dickens Have Any Notable Influences On Literature And Society?
Yes, Charles Dickens had a profound influence on literature and society. His vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and social commentary helped to shape the literary landscape of his time and continue to impact writers and readers today. His works have also contributed to social reform movements, particularly in highlighting the plight of the poor and the need for better working conditions.
