The Social Criticism of Charles Dickens: A Point of View

Abstract

<p>This thesis deals with Dickens' social criticism in Oliver Twist (1838), Dombey and Son (1846), Hard Times (1854) and Little Dorrit (1855). The major consideration is the discrepancy between Dickens' stated intentions and his achievement as a social critic. The analysis of the four novels revolves around an examination of the characterization, the explicit and implicit levels of meaning, and the escapist tendencies in the fiction.</p>