GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Information to furnish the mind

Happy Birthday, Mr. Dickens!

Charles Dickens, born February 7, 1812

Born this day in 1812, Charles Dickens died on 9 June 1870, having producing dozens of novels and short works, many of which are still read today.

Here’s a list of his works at Every Author.

Great Expectations is the novel now taught ad nauseum in the schools, but the book of choice with English teachers in my day was A Tale of Two Cities. I was in love with Sidney Carton. Story of my life: falling for the biggest loser.

The characters are the greatest thing about Dickens’ novels. Who can forget the image of Miss Havisham presiding over her mouldy wedding feast? Or the description of Peggotty and her brother’s shipshape house by the sea? Creepy Mr. Murdstone. David Copperfield’s pitiful wife Dora. Smarmy Uriah Heep.  Wemmick firing the canon to delight his Aged Parent. So many bizarre, lovable, destestable, and unforgettable characters that remain imprinted on our minds.

Who is your favorite Dickens character?

2 Responses

  1. Denton,
    I’m glad you’re back. It’s encouraging to have at least one reader!

    Yes, Scrooge is one of the great characters. And A Christmas Carol never seems to get old, no matter how many times it’s filmed, re-filmed, adapted, and disguised.

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