Dickens by Max Beerbohm (1912)
The work presents a reflective and somewhat whimsical exploration of literary appreciation, focusing on the author's evolving relationship with the works of Dickens. The narrative begins with a seemingly unrelated musing about Tintoretto and Turgeneff, which serves as a prelude to a deeper examination of Dickens's significance. The author recounts a visit from Dolmetsch, who reads a Palestrina Mass, prompting a series of contemplative thoughts that lead to the realization of Dickens's unique place in literature. The author expresses a sense of disillusionment with other literary figures, having previously idolized writers like Zola and Balzac, only to find them lacking in comparison to Dickens. The narrative emphasizes the importance of Christmas as a theme in Dickens's work, suggesting that it encapsulates the essence of human experience and artistic expression. The author critiques Balzac's extensive output, questioning the quality of his work despite its quantity. The text delves into the erotic undertones present in Dickens's narratives, particularly through the characters of Mr. Winkle and Miss Arabella. The author vividly describes their interactions, using rich imagery to evoke the sensuality and vitality of the scene. This exploration of character dynamics serves to highlight Dickens's ability to engage readers on a deeper emotional level. As the narrative progresses, the author reflects on the limitations of language, expressing frustration with the inadequacy of European languages to convey profound thoughts. This leads to a yearning for a new artistic revelation, suggesting that only in Mexico can true artistic expression be rediscovered. The work concludes with a sense of longing for a fresh start, symbolized by the desire to embrace a new cultural identity and await a transformative artistic awakening. Overall, the piece is a meditation on the nature of art, the significance of Dickens, and the quest for authentic expression in a world filled with literary pretensions.
By Max Beerbohm · First published 1912 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Essay, Biography · 1,708 words
First lines
I had often wondered why when people talked to me of Tintoretto I always found myself thinking of Turgeneff. It seemed to me strange that I should think of Turgeneff instead of thinking of Tintoretto; for at first sight nothing can be more far apart than the Slav mind and the Flemish. But one morning, some years ago, while I was musing by my fireplace in Victoria Street, Dolmetsch came to see me. He had a soiled roll of music under his left arm. I said, "How are you? " He said, "I am well. And you? " I said, "I, too, am well. What is that, my dear Dolmetsch, that you carry under your left arm? " He answered, "It is a Mass by Palestrina. " "Will you read me the score? " I asked. I was afraid he would say no. But Dolmetsch is not one of those men who say no, and he read me the score. He did not read very well, but I had never heard it before, so when he finished I begged of him he would read it to me again. He said, "Very well, M**re, I will read it to you again. " I remember his exact words, because they seemed to me at the time to be the sort of thing that only Dolmetsch could have said. It was a foggy morning in Victoria Street, and while Dolmetsch read again the first few bars, I thought how Renoir would have loved to paint in such an atmosphere the tops of the plane trees that flaccidly show above the wall of Buckingham Palace. Why had I never been invited to Buckingham Palace? I did not want to go there, but it would have been nice to have been asked. How _brave gaillard_ was Renoir, and how well he painted from that subfusc palette! .
What this Textopian page supports
Dickens is listed on Textopian as a short story by Max Beerbohm, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Max Beerbohm
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Essay, Biography, Philosophical, Satire
- Length: 1,708 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dickens by Max Beerbohm
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Dickens?
- How does this short story by Max Beerbohm fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Criticism first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Criticism — The text primarily analyzes and critiques the works and significance of Charles Dickens, focusing on his literary contributions.
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective essay, presenting personal thoughts and musings on literature and art.
- Biography — It includes biographical elements regarding Dickens, discussing his impact and the author's personal relationship with his works.
- Philosophical — The text explores deeper philosophical themes regarding art, existence, and the nature of literary greatness.
Tags
Biography · Satire · Humor · Literary Criticism · Dickensian London · Social Commentary · Caricature · Illustration · Wit · Intellectualism · Academic Tone · 19th Century England