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Charles Dickens
Victorian novelist who authored such classics as Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol
2,483 Questions
How old was Charles Dickens when his father went to jail?
Well, honey, Charles Dickens was just a wee lad of 12 when his dear old dad landed himself in the slammer. Daddy dearest got himself into some financial trouble and ended up behind bars, leaving young Charles to fend for himself and start working in a boot-blacking factory. And that, my friend, is the not-so-fairy-tale beginning of one of the greatest literary legends of all time.
What does estella tell Pip is almost hers as they travel to Richmond?
Oh, dude, Estella tells Pip that Satis House is almost hers as they travel to Richmond. Like, she's dropping hints left and right, making Pip wonder if he's finally gonna get that mansion upgrade. But hey, who knows with Estella, right? She's like a mystery wrapped in a riddle, wrapped in fancy clothes.
What did dickens mean by yellow smalls?
In Charles Dickens' novel "The Pickwick Papers," the character Mr. Smangle, also known as "Yellow Smangle," is a humorous portrayal of a self-important and pompous individual. The nickname "Yellow Smangle" is likely a satirical reference to his exaggerated sense of self-importance and perhaps his jaundiced or unhealthy appearance. Dickens often used colorful and descriptive nicknames to highlight the traits and personalities of his characters, adding depth and humor to his storytelling.
Dickens haunts because his works often explore themes of social injustice, poverty, and the struggles of the lower classes. His vivid characters and powerful storytelling continue to resonate with readers, making his presence felt long after his death.
Why did Charles Dickens write "A Christmas Carol"?
Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol" to highlight the social issues of his time, such as poverty and inequality, and to promote the spirit of generosity and compassion during the holiday season.
What is the significance of the character Merdle in the novel "Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens?
Merdle in "Little Dorrit" represents the corrupt and greedy nature of society, particularly the financial world. He symbolizes the destructive impact of wealth and power on individuals and society as a whole.
What was Scrooge sister called?
Scrooge's sister was named Fan. She was a minor character in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" who played a significant role in Scrooge's past. So there you have it, Fan was the name of Scrooge's sister, not that it matters much in the grand scheme of things.
How does William dorrit come into his fortune in little dorrit?
In Charles Dickens' novel "Little Dorrit," William Dorrit comes into his fortune through an unexpected inheritance from his deceased brother, Frederick. Frederick had amassed a substantial fortune through his business ventures in the Circumlocution Office, and upon his death, the inheritance passes to William. This sudden change in financial status allows William Dorrit to elevate his social standing and move his family out of the Marshalsea debtor's prison.
What did Charles dickens mean by metallic laugh?
By metallic laugh, Dickens would have meant a laugh that sounded as if it had been produced by a brass instrument such as a trumpet.
Which spirit was the most frightening to Scrooge?
Oh, dude, like, the most terrifying spirit to Scrooge was totally the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. That hooded, silent figure was giving off major creepy vibes, like, no doubt. Scrooge was shook by that silent treatment and those ominous vibes, for sure.
Who were the kings and queens ruling during Charles dickens lifetime?
Quenn Victoria,king William IV and Louis V
Why did only the last 2 visions of christmases past torture scrooge?
Well, friend, those last two visions of Christmases past may have been particularly challenging for Scrooge because they showed him moments of deep regret and sadness from his past. Seeing these painful memories helped him understand the impact of his actions and inspired him to make positive changes in his life. Sometimes, it's the toughest moments that lead us to the greatest growth and transformation.
The name of the polka played in the 1951 version of "A Christmas Carol" during the scene where Scrooge visits his nephew is "The Skaters Waltz" by Émile Waldteufel. This piece is a famous waltz composed in the 19th century and is often associated with winter and ice skating due to its lively and festive melody. It is a popular choice for holiday-themed productions and adds a cheerful atmosphere to the scene in the film.
Yes, Robert Louis Stevenson's character, Ebenezer Balfour, predates Charles Dickens' character Ebenezer Scrooge. Stevenson's novel "Kidnapped," in which Ebenezer Balfour appears, was published in 1886, while Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, was published in 1843. Therefore, Stevenson's character came after Dickens' character in terms of publication.
How does the clerk feel about Scrooge?
Bob was loyal to the miserly old man, he felt sorry for him which we feel when he offers up a toast on Christmas day
In Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," Marley's speech comparing acts of kindness to grapes highlights the importance of generosity and compassion in human relationships. By showcasing the positive impact of small acts of kindness, Marley emphasizes the transformative power of empathy and goodwill. This comparison serves to underscore Scrooge's own lack of empathy and isolation from others, ultimately leading to his redemption and transformation throughout the story.
What happened to Anthony Walter's that played Tiny Tim?
Anthony Walters, who played Tiny Tim in the 1984 film "A Christmas Carol," continued acting in various productions before transitioning out of the entertainment industry. He is now a successful businessman and is no longer involved in acting.
Is there a latest photo of Anthony Walters who played Tiny Tim in Christmas Carol?
Yes, you can see the latest photo of the actor Anthony Walters of A Christmas Carol at the related link below.
Did Charles Dickens have any influence on the laws that support child labor during the 1800's?
Charles Dickens used his talent as a writer to bring attention to the horrors of child labor from his novel, 'Oliver Twist.'. He was not alone, several groups of advocates relentlessly lobbied for child labor laws. However, Dickens was one of most well known and popular celebrities of his day, and lending his voice certainly helped to bring about child labor and protection laws.
What is written on Charles Dickens' tombstone?
In the Memory of
Jane Austen
youngest daughter of the Late
Rev.d George Austen
formerly rector of Steventon in this County
She departed this Life on the 18th of July, 1817,
Aged 41, after a long illness supported with
the patience and the hopes of a Christian
Boot Polish Warren's Blacking Factory-- Boot polish factory where 12-year-old Dickens was sent to work, fixing labels to bottles of blacking, to help support his family. Dickens had dreams of becoming a gentleman and was humiliated working with the rough men and boys at the factory. The experience had a major impact on Dickens later life and works and also on his relationship with his mother who, after Charles left the factory as the result of a quarrel between his father and the owners of the factory, argued unsuccessfully to have him sent back. Dickens relates the misery he felt during this time in the fictionalized account of David Copperfield working at Murdstone and Grinby's warehouse (David Copperfield). Warren's Blacking Factory was located at 30 Hungerford Stairs, the Strand. A ferry operated at the stairs until 1845 when Hungerford foot bridge opened , hoping to spur trade at Hungerford Market. The market was torn down in 1860 to make way for Charing Cross railway station and the footbridge was replaced by a railway bridge in 1863. The railway company argued that few people used the footbridge due to the smell from the river. The Micawbers take temporary lodging in a "little, dirty, tumble-down public-house" at Hungerford stairs before emigrating to Australia (David Copperfield).
What was Scrooge five regrets?
At the stroke of one o'clock, a light flashes in his room and a hand draws back the curtains of his bed. The ghost is a strange figure with hair that is white with age, but a face that bears no wrinkles. The long, white tunic the ghost wears is girded by a belt with a sprig of holly symbolizing winter tucked in it, but spring flowers hem the bottom of the tunic. The ghost is a visualization of the contradictions of youth and age as well as the contradictions of winter and spring. From his head shines a radiant beam of light, and under his arm he carries a hat that resembles a candlesnuffer. It is the Ghost of Christmas Past, and he takes Scrooge to the previous Christmases of his life.
Scrooge and the ghost revisit Scrooge's early childhood when Scrooge spent Christmas alone at his boarding school. Seeing his boyhood classmates brings Scrooge to tears. Looking at the boy spending his Christmas with only the characters in the stories he reads to keep him company, Scrooge regrets that he did not give anything to the boy who sang a carol at the counting house door earlier that evening.
Topic Tracking: Regret 2
Topic Tracking: Charity 4
That vision fades to one of the following year when Scrooge's young sister, Fannie, came to get him from school and take him home for Christmas. Ebenezer sees her and is moved to tears again for her sweetness and her frailty because with the image of her when she was young is accompanied by the knowledge that she died as a young woman and left behind only a son, Scrooge's nephew. When the ghost reminds him of that, Scrooge seems uneasy for a moment and then the scene changes to a warehouse.
Topic Tracking: Regret 3
Scrooge sees his younger self, enjoying a Christmas party given by his employer, Fezziwig. Scrooge remembers with fondness how kind Fezziwig was to him and the other apprentice who worked with him. The ghost and Scrooge listen in on Scrooge's younger self and the other apprentice praising Fezziwig, and the ghost asks Scrooge if Fezziwig had spent so much money on the Christmas party to deserve such lofty praise. Scrooge tries to explain that it wasn't Fezziwig's willingness to spend money that made his employees happy, but rather it was more about the way he made his employees feel that made him a great man. Scrooge says, "'Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count 'em up: what then? The happiness [Fezziwig] gives is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.'"Stave 2, pg. 83 The memory of his kind employer makes Scrooge wish that he could say a few things to Bob Cratchit.
Topic Tracking: Regret 4
Topic Tracking: Charity 4
The scene quickly changes to a Christmas when Scrooge is a little older.A young woman sits beside him with tears in her eyes. Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past listen as she tells the young Scrooge that she sees that money has become his primary concern and so she is leaving him. She tells him:
"'You may -- the memory of what is past half makes me hope you will -- have pain in this. A very, very brief time, and you will dismiss the recollection of it gladly, as an unprofitable dream from which it happened well that you awoke. May you be happy in the life you have chosen!'" Stave 2, pg. 85
When she leaves, Scrooge cries out to the ghost to take him home and stop torturing him with these memories, but the ghost insists on one more scene. So they see a room full of children, the most striking is a girl who looks like Belle, Scrooge's lost love. But he realizes that she is Belle's daughter and Belle is the older woman in a winged chair before the fire. The room is happy and festive and Belle's husband comes in. He mentions that he has seen her old friend, Scrooge, that day sitting in his counting house while his one friend in the world, Jacob Marley, lay on his deathbed. The man seemed to feel sorry for Scrooge, whom he considered quite alone in the world.
Topic Tracking: Regret 5
Topic Tracking: Greed 3
Scrooge, unable to take any more, insists that the ghost return him to his home. Scrooge takes the candlesnuffer cap and pulls it over the Ghost of Christmas Past's head to extinguish its light and end its hold on him. Scrooge is in his bedroom and is exhausted, so he falls into bed and immediately goes to sleep.
