狄更斯作品中儿童形象分析

1、摘 要查尔斯狄更斯（18121870）是十九世纪英国最杰出的小说家之一，也是第一位倾注了极大精力创造儿童形象的大作家，他塑造的许多儿童形象在世界文坛上有着不可超越的重要意义。本文通过分析他的三部代表作品雾都孤儿、大卫科波菲尔、远大前程中的儿童形象，探讨这些形象与作者的密切关系。首先这类儿童形象的塑造都与狄更斯的个人经历特别是童年经历或所处的社会背景有关；其次，通过这些儿童形象的塑造，狄更斯在反映其童年经历的同时，也记录了社会的黑暗，并且展示了他对资产阶级黑暗性不断觉醒的过程。本论文试图从比较分析的角度，从三部作品中抽取有代表性的章节进行研究，分析他个人经历与三位主人公的联系，体现出他对笔下儿童

2、的深切情感，并得出狄更斯在塑造儿童形象方面的共性。关键词：狄更斯；儿童形象；分析；共同特征ABSTRACTCharles Dickens(1812-1870)is one of the most outstanding English writers in the nineteenth century. He is also the first writer who devoted himself to the creation of children imagines. The images of children created by Charles Dickens play a very

3、 important role in the world literature. By comparison, this paper discusses the relationship between the author and these images. Firstly, the creation of these childrens images has a close connection with Dickens personal experience and social background; secondly, by the creation of these images

4、he reveals the darkness of society, and shows his growing awareness of the darkness of the capitalism. Through the analysis, this paper draws the common features in Charles creation of childrens imagines. And through the research of the representative chapters, the deep emotions between Dickens and

5、his children can be vividly shown. Keywords：Dickens; Childrens images; Analysis; Common FeaturesContents1. Introduction.11.1 The introduction of the author.11.2 The introduction of childrens images .12. Analysis of the three main childrens images in Dickens novels.32.1Oliver Twist: Dickens own want

6、in his childhood.32.2David Copperfield: Dickens own sufferings in his childhood.52.3Great Expectations: Dickens growing awareness of capitalisms darkness.73. The comparison of three childrens images in three novels.103.1 The similarities of the three children.103.1.1 The circumstances.103.1.2 The tr

7、agedy childhood.103.2 The relationship between Dickens and the three children .113.2.1 The similar childhood experiences.113.2.2 The sympathy for the children and the criticism for social evils.113.2.3 The common styles in childrens images figuring.124. Conclusion.13Acknowledgements14References.151.

8、 Introduction1.1 The Introduction of the AuthorCharles Dickens(1812-1870)is one of the most outstanding English writers in the nineteenth century. He was born in Portsmouth, England on 7th, February, 1812, but he spent most of his childhood in London and Kent where he based many of his novels. When

9、he was nine，he went to school but had to leave when he was 12 because his dad was put in prison for being in debt. When he was 15，he left school and went to work as a legal clerk in a solicitors office. In 1836 he decided to write his own stories under the name of Boy. They were called the“Pickwick

10、Papers”1which were like comics for adults. Charles continued to use his books to tell about the bad conditions that the working classes and poor people had to live with. As well as writing he took an interest in the theatre and in 1847 became manager of a touring theatre company. Charles Dickens wro

11、te many famous novels all his life, he is probably the most popular author in England. 1.2 The Introduction of Childrens Images in His NovelsCharles Dickens works enjoy great popularity among people and can stand the test of time. Even in 21st century, his works are still widely read, continuously t

12、ranslated into many languages and adapted into films and TV series. Dickens vivid description creates many lifelike characters, which impress the readers deeply in their memory after reading.Among childrens images created by Charles Dickens, deserted children play the most significant roles. It is i

13、mportant to point out that the creation of the deserted children has a close relationship with both Dickens personal experience and social background, especially his childhood experience. His fiction attracts many readers. These children were described so vividly that as if they were really alive in

14、 the world. “Dickens appeals to the common experience of the reader.” 2So the reader is easily able to identify the different images in his different novels. For example, of all his works, David Copperfield is considered to be his most autobiographical. In this novel, Charles creates an orphan just

15、like him, and through this character, he describes the memory about his own childhood and expresses the sympathy for the poor people. And in Great Expectations he really puts his own heart and soul into his characters by weaving his own experiences into his works. Philip Collins writes “Great Expect

16、ations, indeed, though overtly autobiographical than David Copperfield, is a more searching and self-critical account of Dickens own inner impulses.” 3It is almost as if there is a real possibility that Pip, or someone like him, actually existed. Another example is in Oliver Twist. Oliver is a kind

17、of children that orphans or half-orphans who are deserted, or simply neglected. He lacks warm family love when he is very young. All of the deserted children in the novels have a miserable childhood and long for care and love from adults. As Charles own childhood experience is miserable, he can cont

18、ribute to his views on social reform, and his compassion for the lower class, especially the children.2. Analysis of the ThreeMain Childrens Images in Dickens Novels2.1 Oliver Twist: Dickens Own Want in His Childhood“Please, sir, I want some more.”The master was a fat healthy man; but he turned very

19、 pale. He gazed in stupefied astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds, and then clung for support to the copper. The assistants were paralyzed with wonder; the boys with fear.“What!” said the master at length, in a faint voice.“Please, sir, ”replied Oliver, “I want some more.” The master aim

20、ed a blow at Olivers head with the ladle, pinioned him in his arms, and shrieked aloud for the beadle.The Board were sitting in solemn conclave, when Mr. Bumble rushed into the room in great excitement, and addressing the gentleman in the high chair, said: “Mr. Limpkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Oliv

21、er Twist has asked for more!” There was a general start. Horror was depicted on every countenance.“For more! ”said Mr. Limpkins .“Compose yourself, Bumble, and answer me distinctly. Do I understand that he asked for more, after he had eaten the supper allotted by the dietary?” “He did, sir,” replied

22、 Bumble. “That boy will be hung,” said the gentleman in the white waistcoat. “I know that boy will be hung.” 4In this scene, a hungry boy is asking for more claims universal admiration. The poor boys image is vividly appearing on the paper. And this situation evokes in the readers a strong sense of

23、sympathy towards the boy and a strong sense of horror against the system. This is one of Charles famous novels which is entitled Oliver Twist.Oliver Twist, published in 1838, is one of Charles Dickenss best-known and well-loved works. After it was published, it was popular among England. “Dickens us

24、ed the characters and situations in the book to make a pointed social commentary, attacking the hypocrisy and flaws of institutions, including his societys government, its laws and criminal system, and its methods of dealing with poor people.” 5 Interestingly, he did not suggest any solutions; he on

25、ly pointed out the suffering which caused by these systems and their deep injustice. Dickens basically believed that most people were born good but that their good impulses could be distorted by social evils.The scene of Olivers asking for more is Dickens recall of his child labors life. As the auth

26、or of the novel, he knew clearly about the cold impersonality of the workhouse system. His childhood suffering dominates the whole style of his writing and the whole view to society later. “Dickens used his artistic talents to speak for the silence, to fight for the oppressed, and to champion those

27、defeated.”6Meanwhile he showed his great sympathy for the miseries and hardships suffered by the working class people. According to Doris Alexander, Dickens “knew that early circumstances shape character and that character, in turn, shapes reactions to later circumstances.” 7And in many ways, that c

28、haracter successfully drew attention and sympathy from their readers. In Dickens works he gave children a voice that they desperately needed, yet never had before. Maybe some readers will wonder why Dickens always makes the world weigh so heavy on the little shoulders of his characters. The main rea

29、son is that he wanted to protest against the injustices toward children that he saw in his own childhood. He used his own experience to illustrate what these children needed and what they were missing. His childhoods recall has totally reflected in Oliver Twist.Oliver Twist is also Dickens first nov

30、el that focused on a child hero, whose experiences expressed Dickens psychological want in childhood. Throughout the novel, Dickens used Olivers character to challenge the Victorian ages evil. He was tortured and mistreated in the workhouse at his early age, later was thrown together with the band o

31、f thieves, he suffered a lot of pain but his kind nature remained unchanged. Dickens tried to create a child who did not present a complex picture between good and evilinstead, he was goodness all the time. What carried Oliver through life and away from the poverty was his good nature. Dickens himse

32、lf had to work in the workhouse as young as Oliver. As a deserted child, Dickens hungered for love and help from adults. So in Oliver Twist, Dickens created several kinds encounters to offer help which freed Oliver from sufferings and dangers to a penniless and hopeless child. From these images, we

33、may see Dickens himself as a lonely and deserted child who is eagerly expecting kind encounter with good-hearted men by whom he will be offered help. So these happy encounters are authors psychological want in his childhood.In the novel Oliver understood the life forms well, and this helped him fit

34、the society better. He began his life misery enoughorphaned, underfed, unloved, beaten, apprenticed, fed the scraps the dog scorns, and made to sleep in the shop with the coffins at night. We are impressed deeply by the description of workhouse and undertakers shop through Olivers view .In his eyes

35、the world was cruel and awful. “Dickens draws strictly from his observation from Olivers view, giving us the very truth in despite of sentiment.” 8Passing from the shadow of the workhouse to that of criminal London, we can feel that London is a place of squalid mystery and terror, of the grimly grot

36、esque, of labyrinthine obscurity and lurid fascination. He taught people a certain way of regarding the huge city, the dirty streets, accurately described and named; the bare, filthy rooms inhabited by Fagin and Sikes and the rest of them; the hideous public-house to which thieves resort. Through th

37、e directly touch with the huge city, we have a very scared impression, for instance, what the working class people eat and drink, and can smell the dish of sheeps head, flank with porter, which Nancy sets before her brutal companion. “In Dickenss case, he managed to use this gruel story as a means t

38、o shift his long stored tensions into the image of Oliver Twist, producing thus a metaphoric account that could function quite like a dream.” 9 2.2 David Copperfield: Dickens Own Sufferings in His Childhood“The room was as neat as Janet or my aunt. As I laid down my pen, a moment since, to think of

39、it, the air from the sea came blowing in again, mixed with the perfume of the flowers; and I saw the old-fashioned furniture brightly rubbed and polished, my aunts inviolable chair and table by the round green fan in the bow-window, the drug get-covered carpet, the cat, the kettle-holder, the two ca

40、naries, the old china, the punch-bowl full of dried rose leaves, the tall press guarding all sorts of bottles and pots, and, wonderfully out of keeping with the rest, my stained and dusty self upon the sofa, taking note of everything, Janet had gone away to get the bath ready, when my aunt ,to my gr

41、eat alarm, became in one moment rigid with indignation, and had hardly voice to cry out, Janet!Donkiesr! Upon which, Janet came running up the stairs as if the house were in flames, darted out on a little piece of green in front, and warned off two saddle-donkeys, lady-ridden, that had presumed to s

42、et hoof upon it; while my aunt, rushing out of the house, seized the bridle of a third animal laden with a bestriding child, turned him, led him forth from those sacred precincts, and boxed the cars pf the unlucky urchin in attendance who had dared to profane that hallo wed ground.” 10David Copperfi

43、eld is the most unique book among all Dickens works for its deeply personal tone; it is an autobiography of the author himself and also a history of Dickens emotional life. This novel was created in 1849-1850, midway in his career, just before the writing of the “dark” novels. In this story, Dickens

44、 describes a very lovely boy named David Copperfield. “I am within three pages of the shore, and am strangely divided, as usual in such cases, between sorrow and joy. Oh, my dear Forster, if I were to say half what Copperfield makes me feel to-night, how strangely, even to you; I should be turned in

45、side out! I seem to be sending some part of myself into the Shadowy World.” 11Charles Dickens wrote in a letter just before he finished the final chapter of David Copperfield. And he became intensely involved in this character while he was writing. And in 1869, the year before he died, Dickens wrote

46、 that Copperfield was still his “favorite child.” 12David Copperfields whole life can be divided into three stages. In the first stage he had a miserable childhood. He was born at Blunder stone, six months after his fathers death. David spent his happy early days with his mother, Clara Copperfield,

47、a gentle but weak woman, and Peggotty, the combination servant and nurse. When his mother married again, to a Mr. Murdstone, his miserable life had begun. He was imaginative and sensitive, suffering more from psychic anguish than from physical abuse. David flourished and expanded under affection, bu

48、t shriveled and contracted deprived of it. And in the second stage, David was packed off to Salem House School near London. This institution was run by the ferocious Mr. Creakle, a sadist. But the worst thing is his mother and her newborn baby died and loyal Peggotty was dismissed by his stepfather,

49、 David was really lonely and deserted. He was sent to the warehouse in London, which followed, was worse. No one loved him and no one cared for him. There, half-starved, the 10-year old David labored beside slum urchins. Finally he couldnt stand the torture and decided to run away from the warehouse

50、. He made his way on foot to Dover where Aunt Betsey Trotwood, his only living relative. Fortunately, his aunt took him in and sent him to Canterbury to attend a school. The next is the third stage, David experiences and comforted for his happy new start. David survived his ordeal with the moral sup

51、port of several adults: the Micawbers, Aunt Betsey, and Dr. Strong, who educated him. He discovered enormous reserves of strength within, a dogged perseverance which enabled him to master the difficult art of shorthand reporting. This trait stood him in good stead when he became a writer, and was th

52、e key to his later success. Dickens figures this character very well. That is all due to his childhood sufferings. Dickens was brought up by middle-class parents. But then he was abandoned as worthless. The few shillings a week he earned barely served for his keep, so that his sacrifice seemed gratu

53、itous, a means of getting him out of the way. The blacking factory left him with a lifelong insatiable need for recognition and approval; a degree of emotional reserve; and an obsession with cleanliness and order which he himself admitted was “almost a disorder”.13He was haunted by the experience fo

54、r the rest of his life. “Even now, famous and caressed and happy, I often forget in my dreams that I have a dear wife and children; even that I am a man; and wander desolately back to that time of my life.”14The Christmas before his death, playing a “memory game” with his family, Dickens wrote down,

55、 “Warrens Blacking, 30, Strand”15,which meant nothing to his children until his biography was published after his death.Dickens also conveys his view of education in David Copperfield. David was first educated informally at home. He learnt the “alphabet at his mothers knee”16 and read to Peggotty fr

56、om the Crocodile book, developing his imagination“we went into the waterand put sharp pieces of timber down their throats”17Dickens clearly approves of this education, so in the novel David said in retrospect that memories of this time “recall no feeling of disgust or reluctance”18Dickens contrasts

57、the misery of Davids education after his mothers remarriage; “David was betrayed by his own nervousness in front of the dominating Murdstones, upsetting his mother and lowering his self-esteemhe seemed to be more stupid.”19This negative effect again showed Dickens encouragement of a very different form of education. David was not “stupid” and it was only the strict and stifling circumstances that made him feel this way. If the Murdstones were more liberal and generous in their educa