Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day Life and Every-Day People
Dickens, Charles
"Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day Life and Every-Day People" by Charles Dickens is a collection of literary sketches written in the early 19th century. The work provides a vivid portrayal of various characters and social situations typical of London’s everyday life during that period, highlighting themes of poverty, bureaucracy, and community dynamics. Dickens uses a variety of characters, including the parish beadle and schoolmaster, to capture the struggles and eccentricities of ordinary people.  The opening of this collection introduces readers to the beadle of a parish, a figure of authority who, despite his importance, is a source of both amusement and critique. Dickens paints a picture of the beadle's pompous demeanor and the often absurd situations that arise around him, such as the comedic failures of the parish fire-engine. As the narrative progresses, other characters emerge, including the parish schoolmaster, a devoted but downtrodden figure, and various parishioners who represent the struggles of the lower classes. Through these sketches, Dickens not only critiques social institutions but also aims to evoke sympathy and understanding for the plight of the common man. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
London (England) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century London (England) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
Category: British Literature Category: Short Stories