A Christmas Carol Background
Mia Nordstrom
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens was a famous author of the Victorian Era. He wrote 14 major books, including: A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, and, of course, A Christmas Carol! Much of his writing was influenced by the people he loved and the events that took place in his life. For example, his mother and father, his wife, and his financial state all influenced his writing. Many of these books have stood the test of time and are still loved and celebrated today!
The Victorian Era
The Victorian era was a time period when Queen Victoria ruled Britain. During this time Britain's population increased greatly. The economy was booming, and many advances in science, religion, and industry took place. Queen Victoria was a big promoter of music, arts, and literature. Hence, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and all of his other stories getting to be so popular!
Industrialization
During the Victorian Era, industry in Britain was booming. This was called the Industrial Revolution. Mining, construction, and manufacturing were the most popular businesses and industries at the time. While, these jobs were gaining momentum, people in the agriculture businesses were out of luck. It used to be at the top in popularity, but during the Industrial Revolution the number of people who farmed largely decreased, while the industries ruled.
Childhood Labor and Poverty
Even though the economy was doing well, it was still hard to find workers in factories. Most of the work was done by machines, but not all of it. Young children were easier and cheaper to hire, because adults expected more pay. So, children worked at the horrible factories, running the machines, for a, painstakingly, long 12 hours a day, all for little or no pay. See, Charles Dickens, unlike others, was kind to these children and the lower class because he knew what it felt like to have nothing. This inspired many of his fictional tales, including A Christmas Carol.