1851 Year That Changed Charles Dickens And The World

Charles Dickens, the renowned English writer of the Victorian era, played a significant role in shaping the literary world in the 19th century. However, it was the year 1851 that proved to be a turning point in both Dickens' life and the world as a whole. In this article, we will delve into the events and experiences that made 1851 such a transformative year for Charles Dickens and the broader society.

Dickens' Career and Influences Leading Up to 1851

Prior to 1851, Charles Dickens had already established himself as a prominent author with works like "Oliver Twist" and "David Copperfield" captivating readers worldwide. His depictions of social issues and poignant characters resonated with the public, shining a light on the challenges faced by the lower classes during the Industrial Revolution.

The Turning Point: 1851--A Year That Changed Charles Dickens and the World

by Robert Douglas-Fairhurst (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	57853 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	356 pages

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His literary success was magnified by his flamboyant personality and engaging public readings, which turned him into a celebrity of his time. However, it wasn't until the Great Exhibition of 1851 that Dickens truly left an indelible mark on the world.

The Great Exhibition of 1851

The Great Exhibition, held in London's Crystal Palace, was an international exhibition showcasing the technological advancements and cultural achievements of nations from around the globe. As the world flocked to see the marvels on display, Charles Dickens saw an opportunity to not only engage with his readership but also make a difference in society.

Dickens attended the Great Exhibition both as a visitor and a participant. His curiosity about the diverse cultures and innovative creations fueled his desire to explore new storylines and settings for his forthcoming novels. This exposure allowed him to further develop his descriptive prowess, which later became a defining characteristic of his writing style.

Inspiration and Collaboration

1851 marked a significant turning point in Dickens' personal life as well. Amidst the grandeur of the Great Exhibition, he encountered influential figures like Charlotte Brontë, a fellow author whose works, including "Jane Eyre," had captivated readers globally. Their meeting sparked a deep friendship and intellectual exchange, motivating Dickens to explore new narrative techniques and themes.

The collaboration between Dickens and Brontë extended beyond their personal friendship. They actively championed social causes and fought against the prevailing injustices of their time. Their discussions and shared experiences served as inspiration for Dickens' later works, such as "Bleak House" and "A Tale of Two Cities," which showcased his growing activism and commitment to societal change.

The Impact on Victorian Society

The influence of 1851 extended well beyond Dickens himself. The Great Exhibition created a surge in interest for innovation, inspiring a generation of inventors and entrepreneurs. Technological advancements permeated Victorian society, driving economic growth and reshaping industries.

Furthermore, the exposure to different cultures during the exhibition challenged existing societal norms and fueled the fight against social inequality. Dickens and his contemporaries played key roles in raising awareness about the hardships faced by the poor, influencing societal attitudes towards poverty and advocating for change.

The Legacy of 1851

As years passed, the impact of 1851 continued to shape the legacy of Charles Dickens. His works, infused with the spirit of social reform, achieved unparalleled popularity and remain influential in English literature to this day.

Moreover, the Great Exhibition became a catalyst for subsequent world expos, fostering international cooperation and advancement in various fields. The event's emphasis on cultural exchange and innovation laid the groundwork for future endeavors that aimed to bring the world closer together.

In

The year 1851 marked a turning point for both Charles Dickens and the world. The Great Exhibition propelled Dickens' writing career to new heights, igniting his passion for highlighting social issues and cementing his status as a literary icon. It also spurred societal change, inspiring technological advancements and challenging prevailing norms.

Through his works and activism, Dickens left an enduring legacy, showcasing the power of literature to incite positive transformation. As we reflect upon the events of 1851, we are reminded of the profound impact one year can have on an individual and the world at large.

The Turning Point: 1851--A Year That Changed Charles Dickens and the World

by Robert Douglas-Fairhurst (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	57853 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	356 pages

FREE

A major new biography that takes an unusual and illuminating approach to the great writer—immersing us in one year of his life—from the award-winning author of Becoming Dickens and The Story of Alice.

The year is 1851. It's a time of radical change in Britain, when industrial miracles and artistic innovations rub shoulders with political unrest, poverty, and disease. It is also a turbulent year in the private life of Charles Dickens, as he copes with a double bereavement and early signs that his marriage is falling apart. But this formative year will become perhaps the greatest turning point in Dickens's career, as he embraces his calling as a chronicler of ordinary people's lives and develops a new form of writing that will reveal just how interconnected the world is becoming. 
 
The Turning Point transports us into the foggy streets of Dickens's London, closely following the twists and turns of a year that would come to define him and forever alter Britain's relationship with the world. Fully illustrated, and brimming with fascinating details about the larger-than-life man who wrote Bleak House, this is the closest look yet at one of the greatest literary personalities ever to have lived.