Why is it so Difficult to Read Charles Dickens's Books?

Charles Dickens, a literary giant whose works continue to captivate readers worldwide, presents unique challenges for modern readers. His Victorian prose, complex narratives, and social commentary can sometimes hinder the reading experience. In this article, we explore the key reasons behind these difficulties and offer strategies to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of his works.

Victorian Language: A Poetic Obstacle

Dickens wrote during the Victorian era (1837-1901), and his writing reflects the language and cultural norms of that time. This includes intricate sentence structures, archaic vocabularies, and idiomatic expressions that may be unfamiliar to contemporary readers. Navigating this linguistic terrain can be akin to stepping into a different world, where terms like doze (sleep) and beetles (corruption) are commonplace. Understanding these nuances requires patience and a willingness to engage with the past.

Length and Complexity: A Tangled Narrative

Dickens's literary monoliths, such as Bleak House, Great Expectations, and David Copperfield, are renowned for their epic scales. These lengthy narratives often encompass multiple subplots and a vast ensemble cast, making it challenging to keep track of the intricate relationships between characters. The sheer scope of his stories can be daunting, requiring a methodical approach to follow the narrative threads.

Social Commentary: Understanding Historical Context

One of Dickens's defining traits is his incisive social critique. He addresses profound societal issues such as poverty, class disparity, and industrialization, embedding these themes within his tales. To fully appreciate his works, familiarity with the historical context is essential. Understanding the political and socioeconomic environment of Victorian England can significantly enrich your reading experience, allowing you to connect the dots between the characters' struggles and the broader societal forces at play.

Character Names and Descriptions: Overwhelming but Memorable

Dickens is celebrated for his unique and vivid character names, like Oliver Twist, Esther Summerson, and Penguin Pumblechook. These names and their descriptions serve to highlight various social strata and moral landscapes. While these elements can be overwhelming, they also make Dickens's characters unforgettable. Familiarizing yourself with these characters and their traits can help you relate to their journeys and understand the broader themes of his novels.

Pacing: A Crane's Flight versus a Rabbit's Expedition

Dickens's pacing is famously varied, with some passages lingering over meticulous descriptions and social commentary, while others whisk through events with dizzying speed. This dynamic can affect your engagement with the story, making certain sections feel longer or more tedious. While this might be disorienting at first, embracing the ebb and flow of the narrative can enhance your appreciation of Dickens's skillful storytelling. A patient and reflective approach can help you navigate the slow climaxes and rapid denouements alike.

Humor and Satire: Navigating Cultural Context

Charles Dickens often employed humor and satire to critique societal ills and highlight the absurdities of his time. However, these elements can be challenging to fully comprehend without a grasp of the cultural context. Satirical turns of phrase, social jokes, and biting wit require a knowledge of the period's norms and values. This can make his humor and satire a double-edged sword, either enriching or alienating modern readers. Engaging with scholarly analyses, summaries, and contextual guides can bridge this gap, making his work more accessible and enjoyable.

Additional Insights: Serial Publication and Loose Collections

It's worth noting that some of Dickens's works, like The Pickwick Papers, were originally published in serial form, which can impact their structure and overall coherence. These early works are more like a series of loosely connected sketches, designed to be enjoyable in their own right rather than a cohesive narrative arc. Understanding the publication history can provide valuable context for these works and enhance your appreciation of their unique qualities.

Comparison with Other Authors

For those seeking an alternative to Dickens, Char is often recommended. Trollope's prose tends to age more gracefully, and his works are generally considered more accessible to modern readers. While Dickens's complexity and depth are irreplaceable, Trollope's approach offers a mellower reading experience that is nonetheless rich in character and plot.

Conclusion

Charles Dickens's works are a treasure trove of literature, but they do pose significant challenges for modern readers. By approaching his work with patience, the willingness to engage with historical context, and a bit of scholarly guidance, you can unlock the full richness of his storytelling. Whether you are embarking on a journey through Bleak House or simply exploring The Pickwick Papers, remember that the effort is rewarded with profound insights into the human condition and the world of Victorian England.