How Did Charles Dickens Influence Today

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Charles Dickens Charles John Huffman Dickens was one of the most popular realism novelist of the Industrialism Era. He produced numerous writings throughout his career, many of which are believed to stem from his life experiences that were translated into fictitious stories. He was capable of writing stories at a pace unlike any other writers of his time. Charles Dickens is one of the most notable figures of the 19th century, and his literary works are still relevant and influential today. Charles John Huffman Dickens was born on February 7, 1812 in Portsmouth, Hampshire in England. He was the second of eight children. His father was a Naval Pay officer who struggled to support his family. Due to the nature of his job, the family was forced to travel around and Dickens spent much of his childhood on the move. When he was 12 years old, his father was sent to Debtor’s prison, and …show more content…

His novels are still used in English classes today as either required reading or courses of study. Per Donald Hawes, “Dickens ranks with Shakespeare as the most widely read English author” (Hawes 10). I remember having to read A Tale of Two Cities for required reading in High School as well as Great Expectations in class. His ability to bring his characters to life is outstanding and would draw you into the book as if you were there. He could make you laugh and cry all in the same book. I also remember watching Oliver Twist, the musical version in middle school chorus. It was the beginning of my love for musicals which continues today. His work also continues to influence children with the adaptations of A Christmas Carol movies. Charles Dickens influenced me personally and gave me a new appreciation of great literature. Donald Hawes says it best, “Enter a Dickens novel and you enter a highly charged, multitudinous world, in which realism and imagination are interfused as never before, or since” (Hawes

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