狄更斯作品中兒童形象分析

1、摘 要查爾斯狄更斯(18121870)是十九世紀(jì)英國最杰出的小說家么一，也是第 一位傾注了極大精力創(chuàng)造兒童形象的大作家，他塑造的許多兒童形象在世界文壇上 有著不可超越的重要意義。本文通過分析他的三部代表作品霧都孤兒、大衛(wèi)科 波菲爾、遠(yuǎn)人前程中的兒童形象，探討這些形象與作者的密切關(guān)系。首先這類 兒童形彖的塑造都與狄更斯的個(gè)人經(jīng)歷特別是童年經(jīng)歷或所處的社會(huì)背景有關(guān)；其 次，通過這些兒童形象的塑造，狄更斯在反映其童年經(jīng)歷的同時(shí)，也記錄了社會(huì)的 黑暗，并且展示了他對(duì)資產(chǎn)階級(jí)黑暗性不斷覺醒的過程。本論文試圖從比較分析的 角度，從三部作品中抽取有代表性的章節(jié)進(jìn)行研究，分析他個(gè)人經(jīng)歷與三位主人公 的聯(lián)系，體

2、現(xiàn)出他對(duì)筆下兒童的深切情感，并得出狄更斯在塑造兒童形象方面的共 性。關(guān)鍵詞：狄更斯；兒童形彖；分析；共同特征abstractcharles dickens( 1812-1870)is one of the most outstanding english writers in the nineteenth century. he is also the first writer who devoted himself to the creation of children5 imagines. the images of children created by charles dickens

3、play a very important role in the world literature. by comparison, this paper discusses the relationship between the author and these images. firstly, the creation of these children's images has a close connection with dickens' personal experience and social background; secondly, by the crea

4、tion of these images he reveals the darkness of society, and shows his growing awareness of the darkness of the capitalism. through the analysis, this paper draws the common features in charles9 creation of children imagines. and through the research of the representative chapters, the deep emotions

5、 between dickens and his children can be vividly shown.keywords： dickens; children images; analysis; common features世文icontents1. introduction1li the introduction of the author11.2 the introduction of children's images12. analysis of the three main children images in dickens，novels33.1.1 oliver

6、twist: dickens，own want in his childhood32.2david copperfield: dickens5 own sufferings in his childhood52.3great expectations: dickens' growing awareness of capitalism darkness73 the comparison of three children images in three novels103.2.2 the similarities of the three children107 the circumst

7、ances108 the tragedy childhood103.2.3 the relationship between dickens and thethree children113.2the similar childhood experiences1126 the sympathy for the children and the criticism for social evils11323 the common styles in children's images figuring124. conclusion13acknowledgements14reference

8、s15introductionthe introduction of the authorcharles dickens( 1812-1870)is one of the most outstanding english writers in the nineteenth century he was born in portsmouth, england on 7th, february, 1812, but he spent most of his childhood in london and kent where he based many of his novels. when he

9、 was nine, he went to school but had to leave when he was 12 because his dad was put in prison for being in debt. when he was 15, he left school and went to work as a legal clerk in a solicitor's office. in 1836 he decided to write his own stories under the name of boy. they were called the upic

10、kwick papers” 山which were like comics for adults. charles continued to use his books to tell about the bad conditions that the working classes and poor people had to live with as well as writing he took an interest in the theatre and in 1847 became manager of a touring theatre company. charles dicke

11、ns wrote many famous novels all his life, he is probably the most popular author in england.the introduction of children's images in his novelscharles dickens，works enjoy great popularity among people and can stand the test of time. even in 21st century, his works are still widely read, continuo

12、usly translated into many languages and adapted into films and tv series. dickens' vivid description creates many lifelike characters, which impress the readers deeply in their memory after reading.among children images created by charles dickens, deserted children play the most significant role

13、s. it is important to point out that the creation of the deserted children has a close relationship with both dickens9 personal experience and social background, especially his childhood experience. his fiction attracts many readers. these children were described so vividly that as if they were real

14、ly alive in the world. "dickens appeals to the common experience of the reader?9 2jso the reader is easily able to identify the different images in his different novels. for example, of all his works, david copperfield is considered to be his most autobiographical. in this novel, charles create

15、s an orphan just like him, and through this character, he describes the memory about his own childhood and expresses the sympathy for the poor people. and in great expectations he really puts his own heart and soul into his characters by weaving his own experiences into his works.809®世文iphilip

16、collins writes "great expectations, indeed, though overtly autobiographical than david copperfield, is a more searching and self-critical account of dickens1 own inner impulses】it is almost as if there is a real possibility that pip, or someone like him, actually existed another example is in o

17、liver twist. oliver is a kind of children that orphans or half-orphans who are deserted, or simply neglected he lacks warm family love when he is very young. all of the deserted children in the novels have a miserable childhood and long for care and love from adults as charles' own childhood exp

18、erience is miserable, he can contribute to his views on social reform, and his compassion for the lower class, especially the children.analysis of the threemain children images in dickens，novelsoliver twist: dickens5 own want in his childhood"please, sir, i want some more''the master wa

19、s a fat healthy man; but he turned very pale. he gazed in stupefied astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds, and then clung for support to the copper. the assistants were paralyzed with wonder; the boys with fear."whcit!" said the master at length, in a faint voice.“please, sir, &

20、quot;replied oliver, t want some more.n the master aimed a blow at oliver's head with the ladle, pinioned him in his arms, and shrieked aloud for the beadle the board were sitting in solemn conclave, when mr. bumble rushed into the room in great excitement, and addressing the gentleman in the hi

21、gh chair, said: "mr. limpkins, i beg your pardon, sir! oliver twist has asked for more!" there was a general start. horror was depicted on every countenance."for more! "said mr. limpkins .ucompose yourself, bumble, and answer me distinctly. do i understand that he asked for more,

22、 after he had eaten the supper allotted by the dietary?" "he did, sir,m replied bumble. "that boy will be hung,n said the gentleman in the white waistcoat. "7 know that boy will be hung."in this scene, a hungry boy is asking for more claims universal admiration. the poor boy

23、，s image is vividly appearing on the pape匚 and this situation evokes in the readers a strong sense of sympathy towards the boy and a strong sense of horror against the system. this is one of charles, famous novels which is entitled oliver twist.oliver twist, published in 183& is one of charles d

24、ickens's best-known and well-loved works. after it was published, it was popular among england"dickens used the characters and situations in the book to make a pointed social commentary, attacking the hypocrisy and flaws of institutions, including his society's government, its laws and

25、criminal system, and its methods of dealing with poor peoplem interestingly, he did not suggest any solutions; he only pointed out the suffering which caused by these systems and their deep injustice. dickens basically believed that most people were born good but that their good impulses could be di

26、storted by social evils-809®世文ithe scene of oliveras asking for more is dickens9 recall of his child labors life. as the author of the novel, he knew clearly about the cold impersonality of the workhouse system. his childhood suffering dominates the whole style of his writing and the whole view

27、 to society later. "dickens used his artistic talents to speak for the silence, to tight for the oppressed, and to champion those defeated?5meanwhile he showed his great sympathy for the miseries and hardships suffered by the working class people. according to doris alexander, dickens “knew tha

28、t early circumstances shape character and that character, in turn, shapes reactions to later circumstances.95 f71and in many ways, that character successfully drew attention and sympathy from their readers. in dickens' works he gave children a voice that they desperately needed, yet never had be

29、fore. maybe some readers will wonder why dickens always makes the world weigh so heavy on the little shoulders of his characters. the main reason is that he wanted to protest against the injustices toward children that he saw in his own childhood he used his own experience to illustrate what these c

30、hildren needed and what they were missing. his childhood's recall has totally reflected in oliver twist.oliver twist is also dickens5 first novel that focused on a child hero, whose experiences expressed dickens9 psychological want in childhood throughout the novel, dickens used oliveri characte

31、r to challenge the victorian age9s evil. he was tortured and mistreated in the workhouse at his early age, later was thrown together with the band of thieves, he suffered a lot of pain but his kind nature remained unchanged dickens tried to create a child who did not present a complex picture betwee

32、n good and evil一instead, he was goodness all the time. what carried oliver through life and away from the poverty was his good nature. dickens himself had to work in the workhouse as young as oliver. as a deserted child, dickens hungered for love and help from adults. so in oliver twist, dickens cre

33、ated several kinds encounters to offer help which freed oliver from sufferings and dangers to a penniless and hopeless child. from these images, we may see dickens himself as a lonely and deserted child who is eagerly expecting kind encounter with good-hearted men by whom he will be offered help. so

34、 these happy encounters are author's psychological want in his childhood.in the novel oliver understood the life forms well, and this helped him fit the society better. he began his life misery enoughorphaned, underfed, unloved, beaten, apprenticed, fed the scraps the dog scorns, and made to sle

35、ep in the shop with the coffins at night. we are impressed deeply by the description of workhouse and undertaker shop through oliver's view .in his eyes the world was cruel and awful. "dickens draws strictly from his何0從文iobservation from oliveras view, giving us the very truth in despite of

36、 sentiment passing from the shadow of the work house to that of criminal london, we can feel that london is a place of squalid mystery and terror, of the grimly grotesque, of labyrinthine obscurity and lurid fascination. he taught people a certain way of regarding the huge city, the dirty streets, a

37、ccurately described and named; the bare, filthy rooms inhabited by fagin and sikes and the rest of them; the hideous public-house to which thieves resort. through the directly touch with the huge city, we have a very scared impression, for instance, what the working class people eat and drink, and c

38、an smell the dish of sheep's head, flank with porter, which nancy sets before her brutal companion. “in dickenses case, he managed to use this gruel story as a means to shift his long stored tensions into the image of oliver twist, producing thus a metaphoric account that could function quite li

39、ke a dream：david copperfield: dickens9 own sufferings in his childhood"the room was cis neat as janet or my aunt. as i laid down my pen, a moment since, to think of it, the air from the sea came blowing in again, mixed with the perfume of the flowers; and i saw the old-fashioned furniture brigh

40、tly rubbed and polished, my aunt's inviolable chair and table by the round green fan in the bow-window, the drug get-covered carpet, the cat, the kettle-holder, the txvo canaries, the old china, the punch-bowl full of dried rose leaves, the tall press guarding all sorts of bottles and pots, and,

41、 wonderfully out of keeping with the rest, my stained and dusty self upon the sofa, taking note of everything,janet had gone away to get the bath ready, when my aunt ,lo my great alarm, became in one moment rigid with indignation, and had hardly voice to cry out, njanet!donkiesr!ffupon which, janet

42、came running up the stairs as if the house were in flames, darted out on a little piece of green in front, and warned off two saddle-donkeys, lady-ridden, that had presumed to set hoof upon it; while my aunt, rushing out of the house, seized the bridle of a third animal laden with a bestriding child

43、, turned him, led him forth from those sacred precincts, and boxed the cars pf the unlucky urchin in attendance who had dared to profane that hallo wed ground. m 101david copperfield is the most unique book among all dickens9 works for its deeply personal tone; it is an autobiography of the author h

44、imself and also a history of dickens' emotional life. this novel was created in 18491850, midway in his career, just before the writing of the "dark?, novels. in this story, dickens describes a very lovely boy named809®世文david copperfield. "i am within three pages of the shore, an

45、d am strangely divided, as usual in such cases, between sorrow and joy. oh, my dear forster, if i were to say half what 'copperfield5 makes me feel to-night, how strangely, even to you; i should be turned inside out! i seem to be sending some part of myself into the shadowy world?9111'charle

46、s dickens wrote in a letter just before he finished the final chapter of david copperfield. and he became intensely involved in this character while he was writing. and in 1869, the year before he died, dickens wrote that copperfield was still his "favorite child.” i2jdavid copperfield whole li

47、fe can be divided into three stages. in the first stage he had a miserable childhood. he was born at blunder stone, six months after his father's death. david spent his happy early days with his mother, clara copperfield, a gentle but weak woman, and peggotty, the combination servant and nurse.

48、when his mother married again, to a mr. murdstone, his miserable life had begun. he was imaginative and sensitive, suffering more from psychic anguish than from physical abuse. david flourished and expanded under affection, but shriveled and contracted deprived of it. and in the second stage, david

49、was packed off to salem house school near london. this institution was run by the ferocious mr. creakle, a sadist. but the worst thing is his mother and her newborn baby died and loyal peggotty was dismissed by his stepfather, david was really lonely and deserted. he was sent to the warehouse in lon

50、don, which followed, was worse. no one loved him and no one cared for him. there, half-starved, the 10-year old david labored beside slum urchins. finally he couldnt stand the torture and decided to run away from the warehouse. he made his way on foot to dover where aunt betsey trotwood, his only li

51、ving relative. fortunately, his aunt took him in and sent him to canterbury to attend a school. the next is the third stage, david experiences and comforted for his happy new start. david survived his ordeal with the moral support of several adults: the micawbers, aunt betsey, and dr. strong, who ed

52、ucated him. he discovered enormous reserves of strength within, a dogged perseverance which enabled him to master the difficult art of shorthand reporting. this trait stood him in good stead when he became a writer, and was the key to his later success.dickens figures this character very well. that

53、is all due to his childhood sufferings. dickens was brought up by middle-class parents- but then he was abandoned as worthless- the few shillings a week he earned barely served for his keep, so that his sacrifice seemed gratuitous, a means of getting him out of the way. the blacking factory left him

54、 with a lifelong insatiable need for recognition and approval; a degree of emotional reserve; and an obsession with cleanliness and order which he himself admitted was "almost a809®世文 disorder5fl31he was haunted by the experience for the rest of his life. "even now, famous and caresse

55、d and happy, i often forget in my dreams that i have a dear wife and children; even that 1 am a man; and wander desolately back to that time of my life?'|l4,the christmas before his death, playing a "memory game with his family, dickens wrote down, "warrerfs blacking, 30, strand川,which

56、 meant nothing to his children until his biography was published after his deathdickens also conveys his view of education in david copperfield. david was first educated informally at home. he learnt the "alphabet at his mother's kneemf161 and read to peggotty from the crocodile book, devel

57、oping his imagination-"we went into the water.and put sharp pieces of timber down their throats9171 dickens clearly approves of this education, so in the novel david said in retrospect that memories of this time "recall no feeling of disgust or reluctance，川dickens contrasts the misery of d

58、avicts education after his mother remarriage; “david was betrayed by his own nervousness in front of the dominating murdstones, upsetting his mother and lowering his self-esteem-he seemed to be more stupid川this negative effect again showed dickens5 encouragement of a very different form of education

59、. david was not “suipict and it was only the strict and stifling circumstances that made him feel this way. if the murdstones were more liberal and generous in their education, the results would be totally different. dickens9 views on education are conveyed best through the contrast between betsey trotwood，s firmness and mr. murdstone. "david never to be mean in anything, never to be false and never to be cruel?120|his epic journey showed the consequences of these educational methods; david was literally escaping the moral, physical and financial imprisonment of the factory, and got