Dickens’ novels often employ satire, irony, and absurdity to discuss poverty, corruption, and bureaucratic inefficiency. Humor softened critique while keeping readers engaged and reflective. Characters like Mr. Pecksniff and Uriah Heep embody social criticism wrapped in comic exaggeration. Victorian audiences appreciated entertainment paired with moral instruction. Humor also enhanced memorability, reinforcing lessons about empathy, justice, and human folly. Dickens’ mastery of this balance contributed to his popularity and societal influence. Literary scholars cite this technique as a key factor in the novels’ enduring relevance.
Comedy can serve as a powerful tool to communicate moral and social messages.
It highlights how Victorian writers navigated censorship, social norms, and public taste while advocating reform.
Did you know Dickens’ satirical jabs sometimes prompted letters of outrage from offended readers?
[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, oxforddnb.com]