Legacy Podcast: Charles Dickens | Episode 2 - Dickensmania

Published on December 18, 2024 by Wondery

Introduction

In the second installment of the "Dickensmania" series, hosts Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan delve deeper into the tumultuous life and enduring legacy of Charles Dickens. Building on the previous episode, which introduced Dickens' early success with "Sketches by Boz" and his marriage to Catherine, this episode explores the highs and lows of his burgeoning literary career, personal tragedies, and his complex relationships, both personal and professional.

Early Success and Literary Ascendancy

At [00:30], Peter Frankopan sets the stage by highlighting Dickens' ascent in the London literary scene. At 24, Dickens, affectionately known as Boz, has published "Sketches by Boz" and is diligently working on his first novel. Afua Hirsch paints a picture of a man on the brink of fame yet unaware of the roller coaster of triumphs and tragedies that lie ahead ([00:15]-[01:00]).

A pivotal moment occurs when Dickens introduces the character Alfred Jingle in "The Pickwick Papers" ([04:00]). Hirsch remarks, “Alfred Jingle is a Cockney character and takes his place among the first great cast of Dickens characters, so many of whom have become embedded in our culture.” This character exemplifies Dickens' knack for creating memorable, culturally resonant personas.

Personal Life and Tragedy

As Dickens' professional life flourishes, his personal life faces significant challenges. In January 1837, the couple welcomes their first child, Charles (Charlie). However, tragedy strikes when Catherine suffers from postnatal depression, a condition poorly understood and stigmatized at the time ([09:07]-[14:43]).

At [14:43], Hirsch provides a poignant narrative of Catherine's sister, Mary, who falls gravely ill. Dickens' emotional turmoil is palpable as he grapples with Mary's death, emphasizing his deep familial bonds and the emotional toll of his personal losses:

"Beautiful Mary. Perfect, faultless girl." ([14:43]).

Dickens' Work Ethic and Literary Craftsmanship

Dickens' prolific nature is a focal point of discussion. Between 1836 and 1840, he publishes major works such as "Oliver Twist," "Nicholas Nickleby," and "Martin Chuzzlewit" ([21:48]-[22:07]). Hirsch and Frankopan analyze his writing style, noting his ability to capture authentic voices and his innovative approach to serialized storytelling. Frankopan observes,

"He's capturing real people's voices... one of the reasons why it catches fire." ([05:00]).

Hirsch adds that Dickens' storytelling method mirrors modern podcasting, with serialized installments that keep audiences eagerly anticipating each new release ([05:34]-[05:45]).

American Tour: Fame and Disillusionment

In January 1842, Dickens embarks on a six-month tour of the United States. Initially greeted with immense enthusiasm, he quickly becomes overwhelmed by his burgeoning celebrity status. The hosts recount scenes of Dickens being mobbed by fans, attending lavish dinners, and even turning down an invitation to dine with President John Tyler because he found Tyler "boring" ([32:03]-[38:14]).

Frankopan likens Dickens to a modern-day global celebrity, noting the unprecedented scale of his fame:

"He is the first time that's really happened. This is a kind of product of mass media." ([38:14]).

However, Dickens' idealistic view of America is shattered by his encounters with the country's entrenched systems of slavery and racial injustice. He becomes disillusioned, leading him to cut his trip short and pen "American Notes for Circulation," a work critiquing American society ([39:25]-[41:42]). Poe famously derides this work as "one of the most suicidal productions ever deliberately published by an author."

Social Critique and Literary Impact

Dickens' works are deeply intertwined with his social critiques. Hirsch and Frankopan explore how his personal experiences and observations influenced his writing. From the harsh realities of child labor depicted in his novels to his advocacy against social injustices, Dickens uses his platform to spotlight societal ills.

At [24:51], Hirsch connects "Nicholas Nickleby" to contemporary criticisms of British boarding schools, illustrating Dickens' lasting impact on societal perceptions:

"Some of the pervasive negative PR around British boarding schools have their origins in this novel."

Frankopan agrees, emphasizing Dickens' portrayal of institutional cruelty and its echoes in real-world abuses:

"What Dickens is trying to, I think, to say is that these are all preventable and that there can be characters who stand up against authority." ([27:19]).

Complex Relationships and Financial Struggles

Despite his generosity and philanthropic efforts, Dickens faces significant financial pressures. His inability to earn sufficient royalties leads to constant battles with publishers and financial instability ([18:31]-[49:30]). Hirsch critiques his relationships with women, noting a tendency to idealize and overly admire younger female figures, which contrasts with his more nuanced relationship with his wife, Catherine ([15:18]-[16:16]).

Frankopan highlights Dickens' relentless work ethic as both a strength and a weakness, driving his unprecedented productivity but also contributing to his financial struggles:

"He just worked more and more... He's in the public eye, he starts to draw attention. And sometimes that can be negative and painful." ([48:21]).

Legacy and Conclusion

The episode culminates with Dickens' creation of "A Christmas Carol," inspired by his frustration over the lukewarm reception of "Martin Chuzzlewit" and his desire to address societal issues like child labor and poverty. Hirsch and Frankopan reflect on how this work has become a cultural cornerstone, shaping modern perceptions of Christmas spirit and generosity ([49:30]-[51:40]).

Peter Frankopan epitomizes Dickens' enduring legacy, asserting that Dickens not only transformed literature but also provided a framework for social critique that resonates to this day. The hosts conclude by teasing the next episode, which will explore the monumental impact of "A Christmas Carol" and its place in contemporary culture.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Frankopan [05:00]:

  "He's capturing real people's voices, right? It's not just the high register of what serious literature looks like."

• Afua Hirsch [15:18]:

  "He has this tendency to beatify women that he looks to as pure innocent."

• Peter Frankopan [27:19]:

  "What Dickens is trying to, I think, to say is that these are all preventable and that there can be characters who stand up against authority."

• Charles Dickens (from transcript) [23:42]:

  "Please, sir, I want some more."

• Afua Hirsch [43:16]:

  "He wrote very disparagingly of black characters. There are very few black characters in his books, but the ones that exist are not real people. They're very one dimensional almost caricatures."

Sources and Acknowledgments

The hosts acknowledge their extensive research, drawing from Clare Tomalin’s "Charles Dickens: A Life," Simon Callow’s "Charles Dickens," Jenny Hartley’s "The Select Letters of Charles Dickens," and contributions from the Charles Dickens Museum. Special thanks are given to Emma Harper and the team behind the series' production.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Legacy" offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of Charles Dickens' life, balancing his literary genius with his personal flaws and societal critiques. Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan present Dickens as a multifaceted figure whose work continues to influence and inspire.

Interested listeners can follow "Legacy" on the Wondery app, Amazon Music, or other podcast platforms. Early and ad-free episodes are available through Wondery+ with a free trial at wondery.com/links/legacy.