DH: CLic Dikens Project

 

         DH: CLic Dickens Project 

   

 This blog is part of Lab activity under the unit degital Humanities . In we have to browse the book and discuss  selected  matter from book.

Social Writing - Hard Times and Oliver Twist 

    

        In Dickens's "Hard Time " the character of mrs. Sparsit illustrates a decline in social class from the aristocracy following her failed marriage. She attempts to uphold her previous haughty attitude, but is perceived as deceitful and manipulative. By examining the passages where her name is mentioned and the narrative descriptions surrounding her direct speech, we can delve into various aspects of her characterization.

      A former upper-class lady now working as a housekeeper. Her social pretensions and scheming reflect her class aspirations and the social mobility challenges of the time.

Activity sparsit : 

      

       Mrs. Sparsit is a character whose activities and behavior are indicative of her role in the novel. As a character in the novel, Mrs. Sparsit serves as a kind of social commentator and a symbol of the rigid class system.

    Her actions often reflect her class consciousness and her desire to maintain her social standing. She frequently manipulates situations to her advantage and engages in gossip to undermine others. She often engages in moralizing and judgments about the behavior of those around her, displaying her own moral rigidity and adherence to societal norms.

    Mrs. Sparsit's body language and demeanor, such as with a shake of her head,in a very impressive manner, and in a highly superior manner. For example, when she interjects during a conversation, her actions might be described as raising an eyebrow disdainfully, folding her arms with an air of superiority, or leaning forward with a condescending smile. These details emphasize her manipulative and haughty.

Activity oliver : 

     Observe how numerous phrases within these interruptions relate to intensity, physical action, coercion, or sinister body language. For comparison, perform the same activity with a different character, such as searching for "Sikes" to identify all nterruptions associated with the villainous Bill Sikes. In his case, note the violent nature of the phrases linked to him.

 We can also notice how numerous phrases within these interruptions relate to keen, physical action, coercion, or sinister body language. For instance, you might find phrases like "with a menacing glare, 'clenched his fists," or "leaned in threateningly." For comparison, perform the same activity with a different character, 'Sikes" to identify all interruptions associated with the villainous Bill Sikes. In his case, note the violent nature of the phrases linked to him, such as "struck with prutal force," "growled menacingly," or"seized violently.

 

     The significance of the Fireplace in society :

        

    This activity seeks to link textual patterns in novels to social or cultural behaviors and conventions in the real world. Given that most texts in CLiC were penned in the 19th century, we focus on the cultural context of that era. Section 12 above examined the role of fire in A Christmas Carol, and here we shift our attention to a related topic: the 'fireplace pose' in 19th-century fiction.

The "fireplace pose" in 19th-century fiction often reflects social and cultural conventions of the time. In many 19th-century novels, characters positioned around the fireplace often represent different social classes. The way characters interact with the fireplace—whether they sit near it, stand by it, or even use it for warmth or cooking—can signal their social status and wealth.

 The fireplace was central to domestic life in the 19th century. Scenes involving the fireplace frequently emphasize the importance of the home and family life. This setting often highlights gender roles, with women typically shown engaged in domestic tasks around the hearth.

 This pose has been recognized in literature and other cultural materials from the period, such as paintings. Barbara Korte discusses this in her book on body language (Korte 1997: 212). Mahlberg (2013) has explored textual patterns of the fireplace pose in Dickens's novels and notes that the phrase "with his back to the fire" appears particularly often.

The fireplace can symbolize warmth, comfort, and security, but it can also represent the constraints and confinements of domestic life, particularly for women. It may also serve as a focal point for social gatherings and intimate conversations.

Likewise, in Dombey and Son, the fireplace serves as a place for male characters to reflect, gaze, or wait. Of the seven instances, six involve male characters.

In literary terms, the fireplace scene can be used to reveal character traits, advance the plot, or set the mood. It often serves as a backdrop for key emotional or dramatic moments.The portrayal of the fireplace in fiction can reflect broader cultural attitudes towards home life, family values, and social hierarchies prevalent during the 19th century.

 I n "Our Mutual Friend," Dickens employs the image of Podsnap "executing a statuette of the Colossus at Rhodes" to convey a sense of dominance and self-importance. The fireplace serves as a symbol of the Veneerings' superficial and pretentious social circle. In Dickens' other works, characters' interactions around the fireplace often reveal similar traits. When a character gazes into the fire, it can signal a sense of melancholy or a tendency to avoid direct engagement with others, suggesting a wish to retreat. Fog, as another recurring symbol, adds a layer of confusion and complexity to both thoughts and atmosphere. The interplay of fire and fog enhances this complexity; for example, when characters are described amid fog, it may reflect divergent opinions or ambiguous understandings among them.

                 Thank you