Legacy Podcast Summary: Charles Dickens | The Final Curtain (Episode 4)

Introduction

In the culminating episode of the "Charles Dickens" series, titled "The Final Curtain," hosted by Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankerpan, listeners delve deep into the twilight years of one of Britain's most celebrated authors. This episode explores Dickens's personal struggles, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and the intricate balance between his public persona and private life. Through engaging discussions and poignant narratives, Hirsch and Frankerpan assess whether Dickens's legacy aligns with the reputation he holds today.

A Heroic Act Amidst Crisis (03:39 - 07:34)

The episode opens with a dramatic recounting of the Staplehurst rail crash in June 1865, where Charles Dickens displayed remarkable courage and selflessness. As Peter Frankerpan narrates, Dickens was traveling with two women on the Folkestone to London train when the locomotive jumped a gap in the tracks, leaving his carriage precariously dangling over the River Dart.

Notable Quote:

Afua Hirsch (06:13): "This is selflessness and heroism, but also crisis management."

Dickens's swift actions in helping passengers, particularly the women Nellie Turnen and her mother, showcased his ability to remain composed under pressure. This incident not only solidified his reputation as a compassionate figure but also highlighted his awareness of his public image. Afua Hirsch emphasizes that while Dickens's actions were undoubtedly heroic, they were also calculated to preserve his legacy:

Afua Hirsch (06:59): "Genuine altruism, while also recognizing that he was thinking about his legacy and how people would think about him."

Personal Turmoil and Public Scrutiny (07:34 - 12:49)

Despite his public persona, Dickens's personal life was fraught with controversy. Following his separation from his wife Catherine, rumors of an affair with Nellie Turnen began to circulate. The hosts discuss the societal implications of such a scandal in Victorian England and its potential impact on Dickens's standing as a moral figure.

Notable Quote:

Afua Hirsch (08:05): "I mean, it's just a question of what it would have meant for his reputation had it been widely known."

Dickens's attempts to quell these rumors by publishing denials in prominent newspapers like The Times and The New York Times illustrate his deep concern for his public image. The hosts also touch upon the lack of conclusive evidence regarding the affair, acknowledging the complexities of interpreting historical relationships.

Dickens's Affection for France and Literary Mastery (12:49 - 25:10)

The conversation transitions to Dickens's profound love for France and Paris, which significantly influenced his later works. Dickens's admiration for French writers like Balzac and Victor Hugo, coupled with his fascination with the evolving landscape of Paris under Baron Haussmann's reforms, is explored in depth.

Notable Quote:

Afua Hirsch (13:21): "He also enjoyed the lifestyle and built environment of Paris... the cafe culture and the illuminated shops."

This period of his life saw Dickens become deeply embedded in the cultural and political milieu of Paris, which is reflected in his novels like "A Tale of Two Cities." The hosts commend Dickens's entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting his successful reading tours that not only boosted his income but also expanded his global fame.

Notable Quote:

Afua Hirsch (24:41): "He's certainly not too pompous an author to think about his audience and want to involve them and make his work accessible."

Final Readings and Declining Health (25:10 - 34:28)

As Dickens continued his reading tours, his health began to deteriorate due to the physical and mental toll of constant performances. The episode vividly describes his last reading at Gad's Hill, where despite debilitating gout and exhaustion, Dickens delivered a heartfelt performance from "A Christmas Carol."

Notable Quote:

Afua Hirsch (30:20): "That is an incredibly memorable way to open a novel."

His dedication to his craft persisted until his final days, culminating in his death in June 1870. The hosts poignantly depict his last moments, drawing parallels between his literary endings and his dignified demise.

Notable Quote:

Afua Hirsch (33:45): "He is famous for the way he writes endings, the way his characters die. And that is just an incredibly dignified Dickensian death."

Legacy and Cultural Impact (34:11 - 45:48)

The discussion shifts to evaluating Dickens's enduring legacy, comparing him to literary giants like Shakespeare. Hirsch and Frankerpan debate whether Dickens's contributions to literature have been appropriately lauded, considering both his groundbreaking storytelling and his personal flaws.

Notable Quote:

Peter Frankerpan (37:32): "I have a deep respect for any writer because, as you know, writing books is difficult, it's selfish, it's narcissistic."

They acknowledge Dickens's transformative impact on literature and society, noting his ability to create iconic characters and influence cultural norms, such as the modern celebration of Christmas. However, they also critique his portrayal of women and his limited focus on broader social injustices beyond the metropolitan confines.

Notable Quote:

Afua Hirsch (41:06): "He failed to pay attention to that. That matters to me because those were stories that would have meant something to me had he told them."

Final Reflections and Concluding Thoughts (45:48 - 50:01)

In their closing remarks, Hirsch and Frankerpan reflect on the complexities of Dickens's character and his intertwined personal and professional lives. They express admiration for his resilience and innovation while also recognizing the human imperfections that shape his legacy.

Notable Quotes:

Afua Hirsch (47:35): "What he did do was create a body of work that is as popular today as it was when he wrote it 200 years ago. And that is a remarkable thing to do."

Peter Frankerpan (44:02): "The problem we have is that it's easy to critique someone's character flaws and failings and trauma, but the reality is if he wasn't so damaged, we may never have got any of this literature from which we benefit."

Conclusion

"The Final Curtain" offers a nuanced portrayal of Charles Dickens, balancing his extraordinary literary achievements with the personal challenges that influenced his work. Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankerpan provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Dickens's enduring legacy, encouraging a reevaluation of his place in literary history. By examining both his public heroism and private struggles, the episode invites audiences to consider the multifaceted nature of fame and the enduring impact of one's legacy.