Charles Dickens
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Charles Dickens
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Portsmouth-born Charles Dickens rose to prominence in the mid-nineteenth century for his short stories, novels, and nonfiction articles. He was also a dedicated campaigner for the rights of children in the workforce, and an advocate for education and social reform.
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Scholars have classed Dickens as having a complex relationship with Judaism. His portrayal of Jewish characters early in his career has prompted criticism from scholars, particularly for his characterisation of Fagin in Oliver Twist where the character is described as ‘a very old shrivelled Jew whose villainous looking and repulsive face was obscured by a quantity of matted old hair’. Academics including Deborah Heller have explored the representation of Fagin as a diabolical ‘exploiter of childhood innocence’.
Dickens was later challenged on his portrayal of Fagin by Eliza Davis, whose husband had bought Dickens’ old house in 1860. In letters to the author, Davis argued that his portrayal was harmful as it encouraged prejudice against Jewish people through the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes. Dickens went on to create more favourable representations such as in the character of Riah in Our Mutual Friend. Eliza Davis’s letters are held at the University of Southampton archive.
Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum
Hawke Street