THE SOCIAL AND MORAL VISION IN THE WORKS OF CHARLES DICKENS
Keywords:
Charles Dickens, Victorian literature, social criticism, realism, moral vision, industrialization, reform, narrative techniqueAbstract
This paper examines the social and moral vision embedded in the works of Charles Dickens, one of the most influential novelists of the Victorian era. Through an analysis of major novels including Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Bleak House, Hard Times, and Great Expectations, the study explores how Dickens used fiction as a vehicle for moral reflection and social criticism. His narratives expose the injustices of industrial capitalism, the failures of public institutions, and the complexities of human morality. Dickens’s innovative use of realism, satire, and sentimentality transformed the English novel into an instrument of ethical reform and public awareness. The paper argues that Dickens’s literary legacy extends beyond his era, offering timeless insights into social responsibility, compassion, and justice. His portrayal of human struggle continues to inspire both literary scholars and readers, reinforcing his position as a moral conscience of English literature.
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