Dick Swiveller and the Marchioness
Richard Swiveller, a clerk for a scheming lawyer, often finds himself bored and plays cribbage with a dummy for high stakes. One evening, he discovers a small servant girl peering through the keyhole, who admits to being curious about his card games. He invites her in, and they share food and drink, during which he affectionately nicknames her "the Marchioness." They play cards together, and through their conversation, Richard learns about the dynamics of the Brass household, particularly the manipulative nature of Miss Sally Brass and her brother, Sampson. As their friendship develops, Richard becomes increasingly intrigued by the Marchioness's life, marked by her ignorance of the world outside her servitude. He reflects on her unusual circumstances and the mysteries surrounding her. After a night of introspection and playing the flute, he falls asleep, contemplating their bond. Later, when Richard falls ill with typhoid fever, the Marchioness cares for him, solidifying their connection. Following his recovery and the death of an aunt who leaves him a fortune, Richard uses part of his inheritance to educate the Marchioness, ultimately marrying her. Their relationship evolves from playful camaraderie to a deeper, more meaningful partnership.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1839 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Social Critique, Drama · 3,353 words
First lines
RICHARD SWIVELLER, a good-hearted, though somewhat queer young man, the clerk of Sampson Brass, a scheming lawyer, often found time hanging heavily on his hands; and for the better preservation of his cheerfulness therefore, and to prevent his faculties from rusting, he provided himself with a cribbage-board and pack of cards, and accustomed himself to play at cribbage with a dummy, for twenty, thirty, or sometimes even fifty thousand pounds a side, besides many hazardous bets to a considerable amount.
What this Textopian page supports
Dick Swiveller and the Marchioness is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charles Dickens, dated 1839 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charles Dickens
- Date: 1839 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Social Critique, Drama, Comedy, Coming of Age
- Length: 3,353 words
- Structure: 1 section, 70 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dick Swiveller and the Marchioness by Charles Dickens
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Dick Swiveller and the Marchioness?
- How does this short story by Charles Dickens fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — As this novel by Charles Dickens is set in the mid-19th century England, presenting a portrayal of society and its nuances of the time, it is primarily a work of historical fiction.
- Social Critique — Dickens' novels often critique the societal conditions of his era, thus the genre of social critique is relevant.
- Drama — The story revolves around the personal trials and tribulations of the titular characters, making drama an apt genre categorization.
- Comedy — Featuring Dickens' characteristic humor, elements of comedy can be found throughout the novel.
Tags
satire · Victorian · social commentary · humor · class struggle · romance · character study · London · aristocracy · adventure · friendship · identity