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The Letters of Charles Dickens. Vol. 2, 1857-1870
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A clearer way to understand The Letters of Charles Dickens. Vol. 2, 1857-1870 through themes, characters, and key ideas
This reading guide highlights what stands out in The Letters of Charles Dickens. Vol. 2, 1857-1870 through 5 core themes, 4 character profiles. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.
About this book
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What the book is doing
This second volume of 'The Letters of Charles Dickens' offers an intimate and multifaceted glimpse into the life of one of literature's giants between 1857 and 1870. Through his personal correspondence, readers witness Dickens navigating significant personal upheavals, including his marital separation and the acquisition of Gad's Hill, alongside immense professional productivity and public engagement. The letters chronicle the completion of major novels, his extensive public readings, and his interactions with a wide array of literary figures, friends, and family. This collection serves as a vital primary source, illuminating not only Dickens's own thoughts and feelings but also the broader social, cultural, and literary landscape of Victorian England. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to understand the man behind the novels, revealing his passions, anxieties, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Key Themes
The Creative Process and Authorship
The letters offer a rare window into Dickens's struggles, inspirations, and dedication to his craft. He discusses plot ideas, character development, deadlines, and the sheer labor involved in writing his iconic novels, revealing the human effort behind literary genius.
Public Persona vs. Private Self
The letters starkly contrast the public image of the celebrated, moralizing author with the private man grappling with personal crises, financial worries, and emotional vulnerabilities. This theme is particularly prominent during his marital separation and his exhausting public readings.
“I have been so hard at work, and have been so continually pressed, that I have not been able to write a line, except under that pressure.”
How do Dickens's letters reveal a different side of him compared to his published novels?
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