Charles Dickens – a Great and Influential Writer

Charles Dickens, a prestigious novelist, changed many lives through his influential writings. As the creator of some of the most well-known literary characters in the world, Charles Dickens was, and still is, considered one of the most distinguished writers of his era. However, although he continues to be one of the most widely read authors, none can deny that he led a rather miserable life, as much of those in the Victorian working-class experienced. Only, his own story is one of rags to riches, and his experiences with poverty are likely the influence behind some of his greatest works.

As a child, Dickens’ family wasn’t financially stable, even getting to the point where Charles had to be withdrawn from school to help his family. Then came the horror that was the inspiration behind his writings — his father, John Dickens, was sent to prison after his failure to repay a debt, and almost all of his family moved into prison with him. This left Charles alone in a boarding school, working at a factory where he had to make polish for shoes. This entire experience was terrifying for Charles, along with the horrifying workhouse conditions. Imagine a twelve-year-old, pulled out of school and working in a blacking factory to help his family — the whole situation must have been almost unbearable for Charles to endure.

However, after about three months, Charles' father received a large inheritance and used it to pay off the debt, allowing his family to move in together again, and Charles to continue school. Although this situation was over, Charles still couldn't get over the experience, and he used his childhood terrors in many of his novels.

This wasn't over, though. After two years, financial troubles struck the Dickens family yet again. Charles had to, for the last time, withdraw from school to help his family. He got a job as an office boy, which paved the way for his writing career, as he began freelance reporting soon after. This led to one successful job after another, and in 1832, he was hired as a reporter for two newspapers. This soon led to the publishing of his first book, Sketches by Boz, and then The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. His rising fame led to more and more books until he had become to renowned Charles Dickens we know today.

Charles Dickens. A name that lives on from the Victorian times to now. By using his writings to change the way society viewed the poor, Charles Dickens helped those experiencing what he experienced as a child. His books revolve around poverty, and the dark side of his times. He was a powerful voice among the weak, opening the eyes of many about the real situations' others went through. He was and still is a great and influential writer.