Dickens and The Literary City:A Study of London as Stage and Protagonist in Charles Dickens` Works.

This paper seeks to discuss Charles Dickens’ literary depiction of the city of London, and its effect upon his protagonists. Dickens` London provides the vocational setting for many of his characters, affording him the chance to illustrate the hard conditions endured by the city`s working population. His characters also draw much from pantomime and theatre, often resembling stage caricatures set against the backdrop of London. However, the city is more than just a stage or setting in Dickens` texts; often presented as a great immoral hub of activity which determines the fate of those living within its environs. Many characters trapped within its confines are subjected to exploitation, whilst others are depicted as inhuman, viewing the world purely in economic terms of profit and loss. This paper will also discuss how Dickens employs rural surroundings as a favourable counterpoint to that of London, whilst examining how on many occasions the contamination which the city precipitates proves too strong for Dickens` characters to evade. Finally this paper will conclude with an examination of Dickens proffered remedy; moralistic characters who attempt to aid or rejuvenate those contaminated by the ills of the city