Hearts of Controversy: DICKENS AS A MAN OF LETTE

Name: Hearts of Controversy: DICKENS AS A MAN OF LETTERS
Author: Alice Meynell

Dickens' literary genius is a topic that has been extensively studied and debated among scholars. Alice Meynell's book, "Dickens as a Man of Letters," offers a comprehensive analysis of Dickens' literary style and technique, providing insights into his unique approach to storytelling. Meynell argues that Dickens' literary genius lies in his ability to create vivid characters, settings, and narratives that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. She examines the structure of his novels, paying particular attention to the use of dialogue, description, and plot development. Meynell also explores the themes that run throughout Dickens' works, including social justice, morality, and the human condition. Through a close reading of several of Dickens' most famous novels, including "Oliver Twist," "David Copperfield," and "Great Expectations," Meynell demonstrates how Dickens' literary genius was rooted in his ability to observe and interpret the world around him. She shows how he used his writing to challenge social norms and advocate for the rights of marginalized groups, such as the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. Meynell's analysis is thorough and insightful, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Dickens' literary style and technique. Her book is an essential read for anyone interested in the works of Charles Dickens and the literary movement known as Victorian literature.

By Alice Meynell · First published 1903 · Genre: Biography, Literary Analysis, Non-fiction · 6,571 words

First lines

It was said for many years, until the reversal that now befalls the sayings of many years had happened to this also, that Thackeray was the unkind satirist and Dickens the kind humourist. The truth seems to be that Dickens imagined more evil people than did Thackeray, but that he had an eager faith in good ones. Nothing places him so entirely out of date as his trust in human sanctity, his love of it, his hope for it, his leap at it. He saw it in a woman's face first met, and drew it to himself in a man's hand first grasped. He looked keenly for it. And if he associated minor degrees of goodness with any kind of folly or mental ineptitude, he did not so relate sanctity; though he gave it, for companion, ignorance; and joined the two, in Joe Gargery, most tenderly. We might paraphrase, in regard to these two great authors, Dr. Johnson's famous sentence: "Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no joys." Dickens has many scoundrels, but Thackeray has no saints. Helen Pendennis is not holy, for she is unjust and cruel; Amelia is not holy, for she is an egoist in love; Lady Castlewood is not holy, for she too is cruel; and even Lady Jane is not holy, for she is jealous; nor is Colonel Newcome holy, for he is haughty; nor Dobbin, for he turns with a taunt upon a plain sister; nor Esmond, for he squanders his best years in love for a material beauty; and these are the best of his good people.

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Hearts of Controversy: DICKENS AS A MAN OF LETTERS is listed on Textopian as an essay by Alice Meynell, dated 1903 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Alice Meynell
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Biography, Literary Analysis, Non-fiction, Historical
Length: 6,571 words
Structure: 1 section, 45 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Biography — The book details the life and accomplishments of Charles Dickens as a man of letters.
Literary Analysis — The author examines Dickens' works, styles and influences in literary context.
Non-fiction — The book depicts real events, people and factual information about Charles Dickens as a person and author.
Historical — The book draws deeply from the historical context of Dickens' life and era, providing insights and information about the same.