Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1980

Thesis Director

Sharon Bartling

Abstract

During the later period of his career, Charles Dickens wrote Bleak House (1853) and Little Dorrit (1857). Both of these novels share a common theme: those who face life squarely, though scarred, survive while those who try to escape do not.

In developing this theme Dickens uses parallel types of major characters. The motherly concern for others exhibited by Esther Summerson is repeated in Amy Dorrit. The irresponsibility of Richard Carstone reappears in William Dorrit. Finally, the protective concern of John Jarndyce reoccurs in Arthur Clennam.

Dickens develops these characters in five basic ways: the narrator, either omniscient or first-person, often describes the character's past, background, and appearance; what the character chooses to say or do contributes to the reader's perception of the character; other characters reveal their judgments of a character through their remarks; and finally, Dickens contrasts the behavior or attitudes of one character against another.

With the exception of Arthur Clennam, Dickens is more successful with the characters of Bleak House than with those of Little Dorrit. Esther Summerson is more fully developed than Amy Dorrit. While Dickens develops Esther as good and dutiful, he avoids creating a flat character by showing Esther's frailties, her vanity and her potential for emotion, and by revealing her growing self-awareness. Amy Dorrit, however, remains too dutiful and passive throughout the novel, making her a one-dimensional character. Dickens's characterization of Richard Carstone allows the reader to see him as a victim of society whereas the reader more readily condemns William Dorrit for his own weakness. Richard's immaturity can be traced to Chancery and his education, making him less culpable. William, however, though his early imprisonment wins him some sympathy from the reader, remains foolish even after his release from prison, causing his own destruction. Likewise, though Arthur Clennam and John Jarndyce are both guardian/protector figures, Arthur is a more fully realized character than Jarndyce. Jarndyce is characterized almost exclusively in light of his role as a benevolent guardian. Though his slight eccentricity lends him some human quality, he remains a flat character. Arthur, on the other hand, also embodies benevolence and virtue, but along with those qualities, the reader also sees him mature during the novel and becomes involved in his development.

The success of Bleak House and Little Dorrit does not depend entirely upon the success of these characters. However, their development combines with the plot, imagery, and other elements to make Dickens's novels classics.

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