Michael Wyatt Professor Abrams English 46B October 23, 2013 George Orwell on Charles Dickens The first

major criticism Orwell makes of Dickens, is on his widespread reputation as a sort of revolutionary writer. While Dickens does fight for the middle and lower classes by pointing out injustices within the law, government and education system, his criticisms are described by Orwell to be exclusively moral. Dickens focuses the criticisms within his literature on human nature more than society. Orwell says There is no clear sign that he wants the existing order to be overthrown, or that he believes it would make very much a difference if it were overthrown. Throughout Dickens work, he focuses on the misbehavior of individuals and the subsequent effects on society and other individuals. He doesnt relay any message that announces a specific system to be inherently corrupt. In support of this, there is no attempt to present a solution to these injustices on a large scale. Dickens does not suggest any new system of government or education to replace the old. In regards to the French Revolution in A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens sees the horrific results as inevitable, due to the mistreatment of the peasantry by the French aristocracy. This again echoes the idea that Dickens is commenting on human nature and the cruel oppressive behavior of the aristocracy, rather than the system itself. Another main point of Orwells criticism, is that in regards to other 19th century writers, Dickens is rather ignorant. He knows very little about the way things really happen. The first example of this is that Dickens hardly ever writes of work. Many instances of characters having to work happens-off stage. In Great Expectations, we are told only that Pip goes into business in Egypt. We are given no specifics, in fact pips working life occupies about half a page of the

book. Orwell points out many instances of this within Dickens literature What exactly went on in Gradgrinds factories? How did Podsnap make his money? How did Merdle work his swindles? Orwell goes on to say about Dickens As soon as he has to deal with trade, finance, industry or politics he takes refuge in vagueness, or in satire. Orwell continues to explain that the plot of many Dickens novels is quite melodramatic. His tales may focus on the plight of everyday people, but the action is far from their ordinary occupations. Instead the stories revolve around intrigues, murders, disguises, buried wills, long-lost brothers, etc. There is no doubt that Dickens sees people with intense vividness, but creates them as characters amidst their personal lives, rather than functional members of society. The last major criticism of Orwell on Dickens is that despite being described by many as a champion of the oppressed masses, he also held a few prejudices on those without. The first example used by Orwell is the manner in which Dickens describes the London slums Alleys and archways, like so many cesspools, disgorged their offences of smell, and dirt, and life, upon the straggling streets; and the whole quarter reeked with crime, and filth, and misery. Coming from someone who is known for being sympathetic with the unfortunate, this seems a little brash. Another example is Dickens less than understanding opinion on criminals. In Great Expectations, when Pip discovers that Magwitch is a convict, he renounces all relationship. The abhorrence in which I held the man, the dread I had of him, the repugnance with which I shrank from him, could not have been exceeded if he had been some terrible beast. Now these are the thoughts of Pip, but it can be said that Pip isnt far from representing Dickens himself. And finally, Orwell explains that even though Dickens has sincere admiration for the laboring poor, he does not wish to resemble them. From Dickens autobiographical fragments about his work in the blacking-factory: No words can express the secret agony of my soul as I sunk into this

companionship; compared these everyday associates with those of my happier childhood. Though perfectly familiar with them, my conduct and manners were different enough from theirs to place a space between us. Orwell seems to dispel some of the myths about Dickens character. Without detracting from any of his literary ability, Orwell comments on Dickens message and the way it has been perceived since becoming an icon of Victorian and English literature. Dickens may have written on behalf of the oppressed, but he shouldnt regarded as a revolutionary writer, he may not have known much of the real working life of the poor, and as a human he even seemed to hold some prejudiced ideas of the less fortunate.

Works Cited Orwell, George. Charles Dickens. Inside the Whale and Other Essays. Web. Oct 23, 2013. http://orwell.ru/library/reviews/dickens/english/e_chd.