Dickens

After reading this article by Matthew Davis and watching this video, I believe I have a better grasp as to why Charles Dickens has had such a strong and lasting effect in society. Although Dickens' novels are no quick or easy read, I would definitely agree with Davis' comment on "the richness and variety of Dickens' sprawling plots, vivid characters, comedy and social commentary." Even after reading only the first few chapters of A Tale of Two Cities, I found myself in awe at Dickens' masterful writing skills. He has a wonderful ability to make characters seem real, and I have seen my connection to them and their situations grow as I have continued reading. By the end of the book, I definitely think that I will have grown so close to some of the characters that I will continue to remember them and "return to them" throughout my life.

"But does any of this make it relevant to read Dickens today?" was one of the questions that Davis mentioned in his article. My answer to that question is a definite yes. Davis then mentions an author who recently wrote a biography on Dickens' life. This author, Claire Tomalin, mentioned that, "Why are we still reading him today, and is he relevant, are really two separate questions." I believe she makes a good point. Dickens' writings truly provide his readers with a certain timeless relatable aspect that I believe many modern works lack. He includes topics, situations, and feelings that society as a whole can understand and see in their own lives. I believe that Dickens has the right focus on what relates human beings as a whole and not on what may characterize one certain time period.

 Sir Francis Bacon said, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention." When I think of Dickens' books, I most definitely believe that they are some of the few books that are worthy of being chewed and digested. I think that the timelessness and relatability of his works truly make them books that any person could learn from and grow through if willing to take the time to understand and comprehend them.

1800s: The Tiers of Education

1820-60: Cotton Is Crowned

1788: Race, Gender and Property—the U.S. Constitution

1682: Christian Parentage (Virginia Slave Act)

Stowe 18-22

I've also attached an identical picture of the word cloud since the interactive one is a bit small...

The following words and characters were the ones I thought were most important in chapters 18-22. Many of the words show either a characteristic or important item/feeling that the character possessed in the chapter. (For example, in chapter 18, St. Clare trusted Uncle Tom and gave him more responsibility because of his honesty and faith. Additionally, Uncle Tom showed concern for his master's soul and bad habits.)

Chapter 18

Uncle Tom

Responsibility

Concern

Faith

Honesty

St. Clare

Trust

Ophelia

Order

Efficiency

Prue

Sorrow

Agony

Chapter 19

Ophelia

Alarm

Furious

St. Clare

Ignorance

Morality

Tom

Letter

 Eva

Mature

Helpful

Chapter 20

Topsy

Unpolished

Abused

Scarred

Disobedient

Ophelia

Teacher

Gracious

Christian

Eva

Kind

Friendly

Chapter 21

Chloe

Worker

Earnings

Mrs. Shelby

Loyal

Attached

Mr. Shelby

Detached

Chapter 22

Tom

Friendship

Attached

Faithful

Eva

Sickly

Angelic

Heaven

St. Clare

Disbelief

Doubt

Stowe, Chapters 13-17

Phew.. Never mind! I got Skype to work! :)