Dickens

• When was Dickens born?

  February 7, 1812
• What era was Dickens writing in?

  Victorian era under queen Victoria
• How successful was Dickens?

  Most famous and successful English writer of his day and his writing remains popular for some of the greatest novels and characters ever written.
• What were his stories about?

  Stories include vivid characters and terrifying descriptions of poverty in London
• When did Dickens die?

  1870
• Where was his father, mother and sister sent?

  to a debtors' prison during his lifetime
• When are where was he sent when he was separated from his family?

  He was sent to a blacking factory at 11.
• What did he experience there?

  appalling conditions with loneliness and despair, The experience of neglect, hopelessness and grief was never forgotten by him.
• What did Dickens believe about the English law?

  That it was 'based on justice and fair trial' did not always practise what it preached.
• What did he experience with the law?

  Experienced injustice from the law because of his poverty.
• Who did Dickens support?

  Dickens became a lifelong supporter of the poor.
• What did Dickens do in a court case?

  He argued a servant girl 'not guilty' for killing her baby to get her out of poverty and prison.
• Who did Dickens aim to help?

  He went out of his way to help victims of the law despite facing pressure to avoid the debtors prison himself
• Who died and what effect did it have on his writing?

  His beloved sister-in-law aged 17 died from a fever, this showed him how fragile life was. In his books he ensures characters survive eg. Tiny Tim.
• How is death included in Dickens' stories?

  In his stories death is always lurking around the corner no matter how old/young.
• How were his stories originally published?

  His stories were originally published in monthly parts so he couldn't change his writing, usually ending in cliff hangers to keep readers engaged.
• How did his family live?

  Wrote professionally to keep him and his family out of poverty.
• A Christmas carol' is a political ...?

  diatribe, a verbal attack on the politics of Victorian society.
• What is a political diatribe?

  an angry speech or piece of writing that severely criticises something or someone: Victorian society/law
• How does Dickens use 'A Christmas carol'?

  to challenge injustice and expose the impact of poverty in 19th Century London
• What is the main message in 'A Christmas carol'?

  Shows readers actions have consequences and that we should always help those in need.