"It was the best of times and the worst of times" (A Tale of Two Cities) This quote from Charles Dickens perfectly captures both the Victorian Era and his views of Britain. Charles Dickens was an influential factor in certain social reforms such as the elementary act (1870), through his book 'Nicholas Nickleby' the sanitary act (1866) through his books 'Little Dorrit' and 'Oliver Twist', and the factory act (1862) through his book Oliver Twist.
Charles Dicken had an impact on the Elementary School Act of 1870 through his book 'Nicholas Nickleby' This book shows that Dickens felt very strongly about education, and that everyone deserved it. In 'Nicholas Nickleby’, he wanted to expose the truth about boarding schools, and he wanted the public …show more content…
In 'Oliver Twist’, he describes Jacob's Island in London as "the filthiest, the strangest, the most extraordinary of the many localities that are hidden in London" (Oliver Twist 1839). He also goes on to describe the houses as "so filthy, so confined, that the air would seem to be too tainted even for the dirt and squalor" (Oliver Twist 1839). These quotes are so vivid, they make you cringe as you read them. These quotes are calling attention to the disgusting conditions that most of Britain lived in, especially to those who were unaware of these grotesque conditions. 'Little Dorrit' also mentions in descriptive detail the way that urbanisation changed Britain. "Fifty thousand lairs surrounded him where people lived so unwholesomely that fair water put into their crowded rooms on Saturday night, would be corrupt on Sunday morning" This quote shows both the effects of urbanisation and the spread of diseases. This establishes that Dickens influenced the Sanitary Act, through his books 'Oliver Twist' and 'Little …show more content…
Dickens shows the problems of the factory though descriptive language and metaphors. Dickens, absolutely hated the way workhouses ran, and this is evident in his book. Dickens describes the situation of infants that are sent to the workhouse as “the hungry and destitute situation of the infant orphan" this quote shows how children were treated in workhouses. He also describes what happens when children are punished in the workhouse "Oliver was denied the benefit of exercise, the pleasure of society, or the advantages of religious consolation" This shows how strict the workhouse is. He also mentions the factories in another book 'A Christmas Carol' he states the harsh truth that "Many can't go there [to the workhouse], and many would rather die" (A Christmas Carol) Furthermore, after reading Dickens' book 'Oliver Twist', Lord Melbourne said “It is all among workhouses and pickpockets and coffin-makers. I do not like those things: I wish to avoid them. I do not like them in reality and therefore do not like to see them represented.” This quote represents the view of the wealthy; as they would rather forget about those types of people, and let them live in inhumane conditions. Dickens' books however highlighted the situation and called for change. This proves 'Oliver Twist' did influence the Factory Act of
Charles Dicken had an impact on the Elementary School Act of 1870 through his book 'Nicholas Nickleby' This book shows that Dickens felt very strongly about education, and that everyone deserved it. In 'Nicholas Nickleby’, he wanted to expose the truth about boarding schools, and he wanted the public …show more content…
In 'Oliver Twist’, he describes Jacob's Island in London as "the filthiest, the strangest, the most extraordinary of the many localities that are hidden in London" (Oliver Twist 1839). He also goes on to describe the houses as "so filthy, so confined, that the air would seem to be too tainted even for the dirt and squalor" (Oliver Twist 1839). These quotes are so vivid, they make you cringe as you read them. These quotes are calling attention to the disgusting conditions that most of Britain lived in, especially to those who were unaware of these grotesque conditions. 'Little Dorrit' also mentions in descriptive detail the way that urbanisation changed Britain. "Fifty thousand lairs surrounded him where people lived so unwholesomely that fair water put into their crowded rooms on Saturday night, would be corrupt on Sunday morning" This quote shows both the effects of urbanisation and the spread of diseases. This establishes that Dickens influenced the Sanitary Act, through his books 'Oliver Twist' and 'Little …show more content…
Dickens shows the problems of the factory though descriptive language and metaphors. Dickens, absolutely hated the way workhouses ran, and this is evident in his book. Dickens describes the situation of infants that are sent to the workhouse as “the hungry and destitute situation of the infant orphan" this quote shows how children were treated in workhouses. He also describes what happens when children are punished in the workhouse "Oliver was denied the benefit of exercise, the pleasure of society, or the advantages of religious consolation" This shows how strict the workhouse is. He also mentions the factories in another book 'A Christmas Carol' he states the harsh truth that "Many can't go there [to the workhouse], and many would rather die" (A Christmas Carol) Furthermore, after reading Dickens' book 'Oliver Twist', Lord Melbourne said “It is all among workhouses and pickpockets and coffin-makers. I do not like those things: I wish to avoid them. I do not like them in reality and therefore do not like to see them represented.” This quote represents the view of the wealthy; as they would rather forget about those types of people, and let them live in inhumane conditions. Dickens' books however highlighted the situation and called for change. This proves 'Oliver Twist' did influence the Factory Act of