I’m beyond excited to have the opportunity to guest write for The Literary Ladies' Tearoom! Today, I’ll be sharing something I’ve been wanting to dive into for a while, Charles Dickens ! On why, I think that his books should still be on your reading list as an adult, and why does his work remain so relevant today! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it ;)
I don’t agree with your contemporary political views inserted into the reading of Dickens. He should be read for what he does best, depicting the concerns he had for an industrial society forgetting about the working class and the individual lost in that struggle (whether rich like Scrooge or poor like Oliver). His works are reminders to not forget the need to connect with all levels of society, that joy can be found in the poorest household and family relationships can be made between people sharing no blood. A Christmas Carol speaks to us because it entreats all of us to treat each other better. That is a perpetual message for all times and particularly relevant at this time of year. There are many arguments that can be made about the progress western society has made to protect the lives of all classes, but that’s not why we read Dickens. It is likely because he is an optimist about how a single individual can and does make a difference.
I referenced some of the themes in this piece in my last post if you're interested, though not as eloquently as this writer here. Thanks for the thought-provoking messages.
You managed to make me feel emotional about an essay about Charles Dickens, Congratulations! Also, that qoute from nicholas nickleby hit really hard, man. I am now really in the mood for some dickensian lit
I don’t agree with your contemporary political views inserted into the reading of Dickens. He should be read for what he does best, depicting the concerns he had for an industrial society forgetting about the working class and the individual lost in that struggle (whether rich like Scrooge or poor like Oliver). His works are reminders to not forget the need to connect with all levels of society, that joy can be found in the poorest household and family relationships can be made between people sharing no blood. A Christmas Carol speaks to us because it entreats all of us to treat each other better. That is a perpetual message for all times and particularly relevant at this time of year. There are many arguments that can be made about the progress western society has made to protect the lives of all classes, but that’s not why we read Dickens. It is likely because he is an optimist about how a single individual can and does make a difference.
I referenced some of the themes in this piece in my last post if you're interested, though not as eloquently as this writer here. Thanks for the thought-provoking messages.
https://shellnorman.substack.com/p/ghosts-of-christmases-past?r=44j6y7&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
You managed to make me feel emotional about an essay about Charles Dickens, Congratulations! Also, that qoute from nicholas nickleby hit really hard, man. I am now really in the mood for some dickensian lit