The Victorian era was a time of prosperity. The social classes of England were changing. The middle class was growing. The upper class was becoming an emerging wealthy commercial class. However, the large, lower working class was becoming unhappy with the working conditions, and wanted reform and change. Child labor continued through the era.
Charles Dickens, a 19th century author, depicted the social classes in many of his writings during this era. Some people considered him to be the spokesperson for the poor. He brought awareness to the awful working conditions of the lower class.
Oliver Twist, written between 1837 and 1839, is about a boy born and raised in a workhouse in England. A Christmas Carol (1843) is probably one of Dickens’ most famous books. This is another novel that represents how the lower class lived.
Charles Dickens’ father, John, was put in prison for debt when Charles was only twelve. Everyone went with his father except Charles because he was sent to work at Warren’s Shoe Blacking Factory to help support his family. His childhood was over. He had become a part of child labor and the working poor workforce. Some of the characters in his books are based on his own experiences (i.e.: Oliver Twist and David Copperfield).
The way the lower class was treated during the Victorian era was inhumane. Lower class children didn’t even get to experience a real childhood. There was such a drastic difference between the upper and lower classes. If it wasn’t for Charles Dickens, not as many people would have become aware of how bad things were for the lower class.
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