Charles Dickens | Bleak House | A Review
Charles Dickens’ ‘Bleak House’-A Review
Bleak House is a novel written by Charles Dickens and published in 1853. It is considered one of Dickens’ greatest works, and it has been widely praised for its intricate plot, vivid characters, and social commentary. The novel is set in the early 1850s and follows the legal case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce, which has been dragging on for generations and has left many families ruined.
The novel is divided into two interweaving narratives. The first narrative follows Esther Summerson, a young woman who has been raised by her aunt and uncle in the country. Esther is taken under the wing of the kindly John Jarndyce and is brought to London to become a companion to Ada Clare and Richard Carstone, two young people who are involved in the Jarndyce and Jarndyce lawsuit. Esther is a charming and intelligent young woman who is admired by many of the characters in the novel.
The second narrative follows the legal case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The case involves a large inheritance and has been dragging on for generations. Many of the characters in the novel are either directly or indirectly involved in the case, and it has had a profound effect on their lives. Some of the characters have inherited money from the case, while others have lost everything.
One of the most striking aspects of Bleak House is its cast of vivid and memorable characters. Dickens is a master of characterization, and he imbues his characters with unique personalities and quirks. Some of the most memorable characters in the novel include Lady Dedlock, a beautiful and mysterious woman who harbors a secret from her past; Mr. Tulkinghorn, a ruthless lawyer who is determined to uncover Lady Dedlock’s secret; and Jo, a poor boy who lives on the streets of London and is caught up in the legal case.
Another notable aspect of Bleak House is its social commentary. Dickens was a social reformer who was concerned about the plight of the poor and the injustices of the legal system. In Bleak House, he exposes the corruption and inefficiency of the legal system, and he portrays the suffering of the poor in graphic detail. He also criticizes the aristocracy and the upper classes for their indifference to the suffering of the poor.
In terms of its structure, Bleak House is a complex and multi-layered novel. The novel is narrated by an omniscient narrator who is able to see into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. The novel is also divided into short chapters, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the plot. The chapters are often linked thematically or symbolically, and they build towards the climax of the novel.
In conclusion, Bleak House is a masterpiece of Victorian literature that has been widely praised for its intricate plot, vivid characters, and social commentary. It is a complex and multi-layered novel that offers a rich and rewarding reading experience. If you are a fan of Victorian literature or are interested in social commentary, Bleak House is definitely worth reading. 0 0 0.
Charles Dickens Bleak House A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Charles Dickens’ Works‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
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- World Drama Criticism
- World Novel Criticism
- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
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- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works …
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