Dickens drew on personal childhood experiences and observations of working-class children. He portrayed poverty, abuse, resilience, and wit with a depth rarely seen in Victorian literature. Characters like Oliver Twist and David Copperfield reflected real social conditions. Dickens visited workhouses and schools to ensure accuracy. His portrayals balanced pathos, humor, and critique, creating empathy in readers. This approach influenced child welfare awareness, drawing attention to societal neglect. Victorian children’s literature was transformed by his realistic, morally charged depictions. These characters were not idealized; they were complex, flawed, and engaging.
Dickens’ child characters shaped societal empathy, influencing public discourse and charity initiatives.
It reminds us how literature can humanize marginalized populations, impacting social consciousness and reform.
Did you know Dickens’ experiences in a blacking factory inspired some of his most famous child characters?
[History Extra, historyextra.com]