Charles Dickens and His Impact Upon Literature
When writing about Charles Dickens, it is difficult to overstate his importance and the impact he has had on literature in the English-speaking world. Over his lifetime he wrote several novels, stories, plays and of course, poems. It is no exaggeration to say he has had an immense effect on English literature and culture as a whole.
Charles Dickens and Poetry
It is certainly fair to say that Charles Dickens has had a profound influence upon the way we view and read poetry. Through his works, Dickens has helped to shape the way we look at poetry and given people the impetus to try writing their own.
In terms of his own personal writing, it is true that Dickens wrote several poems. These included poems such as ‘The Pastor’s Son’ and ‘The Poor Orphan Boy’. He also wrote a number of individual pieces such as ‘The Nook’ and ‘The Christmas Dinner’. Overall, it can be said that he had a healthy appetite for writing poetry, despite it not being his main focus.
Charles Dickens and Satire
In addition to the writing of poems and other works, Charles Dickens has had a huge influence upon the way that satire is used in literature. Through his writings, he was able to use satire to illustrate the problems of the day, and to criticize certain aspects of society.
He was particularly adept at using satire to highlight the plight of the poor and to criticize the upper classes who had so much wealth and yet did so little to help. His use of humour was cleverly used to emphasize certain points and to make these elements of his writing more palatable to his readers.
Charles Dickens’ Literary Style
It is hard to talk about Dickens’ influence on literature without discussing his writing style. This would be a particularly incomplete discussion of Charles Dickens and his work without looking more closely at his writing style.
Dickens has made himself famous above all through the production of his novels and short stories. His most famous works, such as ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, are examples of great novels, with a combination of drama, satire, and humour.
He was particularly effective at creating strong characters with their own voice, as well as being able to use literary tools in order to illustrate points he wanted to make about society at the time.
How Charles Dickens’ Writings Influenced Others
Before examining the impact that Dickens’ writings had upon literature, it would be useful to look at how his style of writing has had an effect upon subsequent authors. This is particularly the case in terms of social criticism and humour.
It is clear to see how Dickens’ use of satire, strong characters and humour have influenced other authors. This can be seen particularly in modern authors such as Mark Twain, Charles Bukowski and Kurt Vonnegut. It has been noted by other authors also, such as George Orwell, who commented in 1945 that “Dickens’s special genius was for satire”.
Charles Dickens’ Influence on Literary Criticism
The influence of Charles Dickens cannot be overlooked when it comes to literary criticism. His writings provided much fodder for literary critics of the time, as well as in recent times. In terms of his influence, it is certainly the case that Dickens has had an influence on the way literature is approached and discussed.
One particular area of focus for critics is of course, Dickens’ use of satire. As previously discussed, Dickens used this particular device to great effect and thus, has been the subject of much analysis and discussion.
Much of the focus upon satire has been in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the social context of Dickens’ writing, and to reveal the true meaning of the messages which were sent out by him.
Charles Dickens’ Effect on Culture
The influence of Charles Dickens has had an effect on much more than just literature, however. Through his novels and stories, Charles Dickens has had a profound influence on culture in the English-speaking world.
This influence can be seen in the various adaptations of his works into other media, such as film, theatre and radio. It can also be seen in the various adaptations of his works into other languages, as well as the effect that his works have had on public discourse.
He has even had a role in the invention of the English language. His use of particular words and phrases have influenced the way English is spoken today, and certain words and phrases are now used so frequently that is difficult to imagine English without them.
Charles Dickens and Education
The influence of Charles Dickens is even felt in the field of education. Here, the topics of his various novels are used in education to illustrate various themes, principles and values.
For instance, his novels have been used to teach children about morality, the social structure of the time and the importance of standing up for what is right. Furthermore, it can be safely said that the themes and plots of his works have had an influence upon the development of the English curriculum as a whole.
Charles Dickens’ Literary Legacy
It is impossible to overstate the influence of Charles Dickens on English literature, culture and language. He has become an iconic figure, and his works remain classes and read by people all over the world.
He is not just a legendary novelist, however. Through the writing of his poems, the use of satire, and the influence of his works upon other authors, he has left a legacy that has helped to shape the way we think about literature and the written word.
It can be argued that without him, many aspects of English culture would be very different indeed.
Charles Dickens and the Modern Reader
It is true to say that Charles Dickens’ works remain popular today. There is an immense amount of interest in his works, and they continue to be read and adapted all over the world.
In terms of why this is the case, it can be argued that his works retain some core appeal to the modern reader. His works continue to speak to people in a way that few other authors can, as they are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
This has enabled Dickens to remain popular despite the fact that the society and culture in which he wrote is vastly different from the modern world.
How Charle Dickens’ Writings Appeal to the Modern Reader
It is undeniable that the works of Charles Dickens retain their popularity among readers today. This is due in part to the fact that his works remain relevant. By tackling issues such as classism, poverty and inequality through his works, Dickens has been able to appeal to the modern reader.
This is particularly true of the younger generation, who are being exposed to the same problems that Dickens was writing about in the 19th century. He provides for them a historical context for their own struggles, and allows them to understand their environment better through his work.
In addition to this, Dickens’ strong characters and use of humour make his works enjoyable to read and will ensure that they remain popular with successive generations.
How Charles Dickens’ Writings Have Been Adapted
The lasting appeal of Charles Dickens’ works has enabled them to be adapted into different media. This has allowed modern audiences to experience and appreciate Dickens’ works in a variety of ways, and has kept the works alive for new generations of readers.
The most obvious way in which Dickens’ works have been adapted is through film and television. Several of his works have been adapted into films and television series, with ‘A Christmas Carol’ being one of the most successful.
Other works, such as ‘Great Expectations’, have also been adapted for the stage, and this has helped to keep the works alive for new audiences to enjoy.
It is also important to note the impact that adaptations of Dickens’ work have had upon other works. For instance, the success of certain adaptations of ‘A Christmas Carol’ has influenced other adaptations such as the 1993 film ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’.
Conclusion
When considering the influence of Charles Dickens on literature, it is impossible to overlook his impact. Through the writing of his poems, the use of satire, and the influence of his works upon both authors and readers, it can be said that he has left a legacy that remains relevant to this day.
It is this legacy which has seen his works remain popular with readers, and has enabled them to be adapted into different media, thus ensuring they remain accessible to new generations. It can also be argued that he has had an influence on the way literature is analysed and discussed, as well as on language, culture and education.
Ultimately, it can be said that the legacy of Charles Dickens is here to stay, and it is with good reason.
