HOW TO READ CHARLES DICKENS

Unlock the secrets of reading and appreciating one of the most iconic figures in classic literature—Charles Dickens. In this video, we’ll explore essential tips and strategies to deepen your understanding and enjoyment of Dickens' rich storytelling, complex characters, and vivid social commentary. Whether you're a seasoned reader of classic novels or a newcomer to Dickens' timeless works, this guide will help you navigate his unique narrative style and historical context.

Stay tuned until the end for a special tribute to the man behind the masterpieces. Perfect for students, literature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to dive into the world of 19th-century English fiction. Don't miss out on this guide to one of literature's greatest storyteller.

0:00 - Intro
3:38 - 1st Misconception
9:06 - Example Excerpt
9:53 - 2nd Misconception
15:05 - Example Excerpt
16:17 - How To Read Dickens
19:12 - Dickens and Childhood
23:40 - Dickens the Theater-Goer
28:45 - Sentimental Dickens
31:51 A Tribute to Charles Dickens

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[AsuraSantosha]

It seems weird to me that people would criticize Dickens for being sentimental. Meanwhile, literary fiction today seems to be a competition on who can write the saddest, most depressing picture of life one can dream up.

[julianugentarchitect]

I hated reading as a child (because of dyslexia), but I loved the rich world of Dickens and his novels helped me overcome my distaste for reading. Now I listen to audio books and have just finished a year long quest to listen to all of his works (mostly read by Mil Nicholson for LibreVox). They are so vivid, so insightful, and so wickedly funny.

[zoebettinson]

I teach English in school and we always listen to your videos. Your passion is infectious. ❤

[astridpedneault]

Thank you for honouring Dickens who is, as you effectively demonstrate, much more than a writer; he is a hero, and advocate for the poor, the little and the children. He makes them beautiful and worthy of love. Your ending words and images are powerful, as Dickens deserve. My favorite of all your videos. Thank you.

[bradchristy]

Magnificent! Tristan is a YouTube Jewel! A thorough education on literature…….Very well done!

[sherryfyman]

That was amazing. Tristan. I live in the United States where it seems that waves of hatred have been unleashed and threaten to overwhelm all efforts at kindness and compassion. In times like these, Dickens is more important than ever. I’m going to print out your final comments in tribute and keep them handy to keep reminding myself of the enduring and universal obligations we have to each other. Thank you.

[amyremington]

Your tribute to Charles Dickens is masterful. Every word and image is perfection. Thank you for this very satisfying way to enjoy my Saturday morning!! You are delightful company.❤❤❤

[antonella]

This is a brilliant, brilliant video.
“Please Sir I want some more”
Love from Italy

[Fernie]

I started reading Pickwick Papers and immediately started ordering all his writing. It is my quest to read everything he wrote in order of publication. I don't know if I'll be able to do that exactly, but I will try. I love him.

[bonniejalsevac]

I was cleaning the kitchen and listening to Little Dorrit when this popped up. I stopped immediately to listen to you Tristan and thoroughly enjoyed this presentation. I have forwarded it to a son, and friend who just yesterday was talking with me about needing to reread Dickens. Your summary is so beautiful!

[josephr.gainey]

20:13. Never forgot difficult childhood 20:41 Betrayed and embarrassed by parents. I understand that totally.

[hollieshuler]

When I read The Pickwick Papers, I always imagined a family gathering in the drawing room after dinner, to listen to the latest installment of the misadventures of the Pickwickians.

[susanfisher]

I absolutely adore Dickens and would actually say that he is one of my top ten authors of all time. Thank you for doing this video.

[writtenwordsschoolofenglish]

What a lovely video! I'm on a bit of a Dickens spree at the moment, and the more of his work I read, the more I love it. I've just finished 'Bleak House' and am now embarking on 'Our Mutual Friend'. His books are indeed colourful, entertaining and thought-provoking, and he is an absolute genius with language.

[brianrunyon]

As a blind American who's come across several recordings of his works via both Audible and YouTube, well done. Am considering buying a recording of Our Mutual Friend, and one of Little Dorrit in the future.

[marycook]

Tristan I smiled all the way through this because your joy shone through. I've enjoyed reading Dickens for many years, but I learned some new insights from you today. Thank you.

[heathermiller]

I so appreciate these wonderful lectures/ talks. I wish all University lecturers were as passionate and as knowledgeable as you, Tristan.

[adrienne]

This was one of the best videos you’ve ever presented. Charles Dickens is one of my favorite novelists. I have read many of his novels and have just finished Our Mutual Friend which I thoroughly enjoyed. I totally agree with all the ways you described how to enjoy his novels. I especially identified with the importance of thinking as a child. Forty years of teaching young students gave me an appreciation of how children think and perceive their world. Thanks for your wonderful tribute to a great novelist.😊

[AlexhounderThegreat]

I want to thank you for inspiring my eldest to get back into reading.
I came across one of your videos a few months back, thought I'd play it in the background, and a few minutes in I was hooked. My eldest daughter was too. She'd become disenchanted with books (felt fed up with having YA recommendations blasted at her non-stop), and now she's reading Dostoevsky, Oscar Wilde, and H.G Wells at 13 years of age. She's about to start reading Dickens, so this video appeared at the right time.
Your enthusiasm is infectious and I really can't thank you enough ❤

[dinoparkdan]

As cliché as it is, I read A Christmas Carol every year around the holiday season. I find that, even though I know the story very well at this point, the message is one that will never be irrelevant. We always need to hear it, and maybe that's why it's remained as popular and beloved as it has. You're absolutely right that Dickens saw what was wrong with the world and used the talent and skill available to him to correct it. But I just love his storytelling as well. I liken his writing to a Norman Rockwell painting- it's realistic, but it's stylised, there's character there, more than real life. It's vivid, and that makes it memorable. I will never stop loving his writing. Thank you for your perspective, I really enjoyed it.