This paper will examine Charles Dickens’ depiction of the marginalised in the Victorian society namely in his three selected text; The old curiosity shop, Oliver Twist and David Copperfield. It will mainly deal with homelessness, heroism and forms of unemployment with a focus on The Poor Law. I will look into the problem of poverty in context of first phase of industrialization which brought radical insecurity to more working class than middle class people. Dickens’ novels expose the slums and dirt of London and its surroundings by realistically depicting the corruption of its society. Thus the Industrial Revolution evoked sympathy and a desire for social change in Charles Dickens.
Table of Contents
1. Representations of the marginalised in Dickens’s novels
2. The Old Curiosity Shop
3. Oliver Twist
4. David Copperfield
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines Charles Dickens' depiction of marginalised individuals in Victorian society through the analysis of three selected novels: The Old Curiosity Shop, Oliver Twist, and David Copperfield, focusing specifically on themes of poverty, homelessness, and the impact of the Poor Law of 1834.
- The influence of the Industrial Revolution on social and economic marginalisation.
- Critical examination of the Victorian Poor Law and the workhouse system.
- Analysis of homelessness and child labour as portrayed in Dickens' narratives.
- The construction of identity and heroism among impoverished characters.
- The clash between middle-class virtues and the harsh realities of the underclass.
Excerpt from the Book
Representations of the marginalised in Dickens’s novels
This paper will examine Charles Dickens’ depiction of the marginalised in the Victorian society namely in his three selected text; The old curiosity shop, Oliver Twist and David Copperfield. It will mainly deal with homelessness, heroism and forms of unemployment with a focus on The Poor Law. I will look into the problem of poverty in context of first phase of industrialization which brought radical insecurity to more working class than middle class people. Dickens’ novels expose the slums and dirt of London and its surroundings by realistically depicting the corruption of its society. Thus the Industrial Revolution evoked sympathy and a desire for social change in Charles Dickens. Industrial Revolution in Britain transformed social economic structure of the country to a very great extent.
Summary of Chapters
Representations of the marginalised in Dickens’s novels: This introductory section establishes the socio-economic context of Victorian England and the impact of the Industrial Revolution on class structures and poverty.
The Old Curiosity Shop: This chapter analyzes the character of Nell, exploring her struggle with homelessness, filial love, and the impact of her grandfather's gambling on their survival.
Oliver Twist: This chapter focuses on the institutional cruelty of the workhouse system, child exploitation, and Oliver’s resilience in the face of criminal underworld influences.
David Copperfield: This chapter examines the autobiographical elements of the novel, focusing on the protagonist's experience with child labour, education, and the strict Victorian class hierarchy.
Keywords
Charles Dickens, Victorian society, marginalisation, The Old Curiosity Shop, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Poor Law, industrialization, homelessness, poverty, workhouse, child labour, capitalism, social change, Victorian England.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines how Charles Dickens depicts marginalised groups in Victorian society through three of his major novels.
Which novels are analyzed in this study?
The study analyzes The Old Curiosity Shop, Oliver Twist, and David Copperfield.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to explore themes of homelessness, heroism, and the impact of the Poor Law of 1834 on the working class during the early Industrial Revolution.
What methodology does the author use?
The author employs a literary and socio-historical analysis, connecting the fictional narratives of Dickens to real historical reports and the economic conditions of the time.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the struggle of protagonists against poverty, the failure of government systems, and the contrast between middle-class virtue and the realities of the underclass.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Charles Dickens, Victorian society, marginalisation, The Poor Law, industrialization, and homelessness.
How does Nell in 'The Old Curiosity Shop' differ from typical homeless figures?
Unlike many homeless individuals in London, Nell is portrayed as a caring and responsible protector of her grandfather, though she is ultimately deprived of her childhood due to his gambling debts.
What significance does the Poor Law of 1834 have in 'Oliver Twist'?
The Poor Law serves as a symbol of institutional oppression, forcing characters like Oliver into workhouses and miserable conditions, which drives the novel's critique of the government's indifference to the poor.
What is the significance of the "deserving poor" concept in the author's argument?
The author argues that Dickens compensates for the misery of his characters by endowing them with middle-class virtues such as cleanliness and hard work, rendering them "deserving" despite their status.
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- Pankaj Kumar (Autor:in), 2013, Representations of the marginalised in Dickens’s novels, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/287722
