Dickens, religion, and society
Book Description
This illuminating study reveals how Charles Dickens's profound religious convictions shaped his passionate critique of Victorian society's injustices. Rather than viewing his social activism as separate from his spiritual beliefs, Robert Butterworth demonstrates how Dickens's faith formed the very foundation of his literary mission to expose and challenge the moral failures of his era.
The book positions Dickens within a broader movement of Christian reformers who pioneered the application of religious principles to pressing social concerns. Through this lens, Butterworth examines how Dickens's spiritual perspective informed his approach to depicting poverty, inequality, and human suffering in his novels.
The analysis tackles several contentious aspects of Dickens's work that have puzzled scholars and readers alike. By understanding the religious framework underlying his social vision, we gain fresh insights into controversial elements of his storytelling, including his treatment of certain characters and communities, his critique of industrial labor movements, and his seemingly simple solutions to complex societal problems.
For readers interested in the intersection of spirituality and social justice, this work offers valuable perspective on how deeply held religious beliefs can drive meaningful engagement with the world's problems. It reveals how one writer's faith became a powerful tool for social consciousness and moral awakening, demonstrating the enduring connection between spiritual conviction and the pursuit of a more just society.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages)
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Social and political views
- ✓ Explore Dickens, charles, 1812-1870
- ✓ Explore LITERARY CRITICISM / European / English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh
- ✓ Explore Literature and society
- ✓ Explore Social problems in literature
- ✓ Explore Religion in literature
- ✓ Explore English literature, history and criticism, 19th century
- ✓ Explore LITERARY CRITICISM / General
