book review of charles dickens short stories

Charles Dickens' short stories are truly a delight to read. His stories are full of memorable characters. Each character has its own quirks and personalities. His descriptions are so detailed that you can almost picture the scenes in your mind. His short stories are also a great reflection of the society he lived in. He was able to capture the essence of the time, whether it was the bustling city life or the struggles of the poor. Reading his short stories is like taking a journey back in time to the Victorian era.

The specialness of Dickens' short stories lies in his unique narrative voice. It's as if he's sitting beside you, telling you the story. His short stories are also rich in symbolism. The fog in some of his London - set stories can symbolize confusion or the hidden nature of society. His stories are not just about the plot but also about the characters' inner lives. He delves deep into their psyches, which is quite extraordinary considering the short length of the stories.

Charles Dickens' ghost stories are truly captivating. 'A Christmas Carol' is perhaps the most well - known. The ghosts in it, like Jacob Marley and the three spirits of Christmas, are vividly described. They not only add a spooky element but also serve as a means of moral teaching. Dickens was a master at creating atmosphere, and in these ghost stories, he uses the supernatural to explore themes of redemption, social inequality, and the human condition.

Charles Dickens' supernatural short stories are a fascinating part of his literary output. These stories usually take place in the familiar Victorian settings that Dickens often wrote about, like the gloomy streets of London. The supernatural elements add a layer of mystery and unease. For instance, in some stories, there are strange apparitions that haunt the characters. Dickens was influenced by the superstitions and beliefs of his time, and he incorporated them into his stories. This makes his supernatural short stories not only entertaining but also a window into the cultural and psychological state of Victorian England.

Some of the best Charles Dickens short stories include 'A Christmas Carol'. It's a classic that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly man who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve and undergoes a transformation. Another great one is 'The Signal - Man', which is a rather eerie tale about a railway signal - man haunted by a spectre. 'The Chimes' is also notable as it explores themes of poverty and social inequality.

Some of Charles Dickens' short stories include 'A Christmas Tree' and 'The Haunted House'.

Dickens had a difficult childhood. He knew poverty and hardship. This is reflected in his Christmas stories. For example, in 'A Christmas Carol', the contrast between the rich and the poor is evident. His own experiences of seeing the struggles of the less fortunate made him emphasize the importance of charity and kindness during Christmas in his stories.

One characteristic is the vivid and often gloomy settings. Dickens was good at creating an atmosphere that sends shivers down the spine. For example, in some of his stories, the dark, fog - filled streets of Victorian London serve as a perfect backdrop for the horror elements. Another aspect is his complex characters. The villains in his horror short stories are often very well - developed, with their own motives and backstories that add to the sense of dread.

There's Oliver Twist. He is a very memorable character. He endures so much hardship as an orphan, facing the cruelty of the workhouse and the streets. Then there is Ebenezer Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol'. His transformation from a cold - hearted miser to a kind - hearted man is really remarkable. Also, Pip from 'Great Expectations' (which also has short - story - like elements) is memorable. His journey from a poor boy with great expectations to a more self - aware person is quite engaging.

In many of his short stories, like 'A Christmas Carol', the theme of redemption is strong. Scrooge changes from a cold - hearted miser to a kind - hearted man. Social inequality is also a theme, as seen in some of his works where he shows the contrast between the rich and the poor. Another theme is the power of the supernatural, as in 'The Signal - Man' with its ghostly elements.