The Life of Charles Dickens - Lesson 5 - Changing Style Example Worksheet

Charles Dickens, a renowned British author, entered the world in the coastal city of Portsmouth on February 7, 1812. His early life was shadowed by his father's financial struggles; John Dickens, who was employed as a clerk at the Navy Payroll Office, frequently grappled with debt. This persistent issue culminated in a distressing event in 1824 when John Dickens was imprisoned for his inability to settle his debts, a common practice of the time.

The imprisonment of his father marked a pivotal and challenging moment in young Charles's life, as he was a mere twelve years of age. The event dealt a significant blow to the Dickens family, mirroring the grim reality of the times, which Charles would later depict in his novel "Hard Times." The financial strain forced Charles to make a dramatic and early exit from his education. With the weight of necessity on his shoulders, he had to abandon his schooling and venture into the workforce to contribute to his family's income, an experience that would later influence his literary works profoundly.