The Life of Charles Dickens - Lesson 5 - Notes into Prose Examples Worksheet

Charles Dickens, one of the most iconic writers of the Victorian era, was born in Portsmouth, England, in the year 1812. His early life was marked by hardship when his father, overwhelmed by debt, was sent to prison. This unfortunate turn of events thrust young Charles into the workforce at the tender age of 12, where he found employment in a factory. Despite these challenging beginnings, Dickens's career trajectory took a positive turn when he secured his first job as an attorney's clerk. His first taste of success came with the publication of 'The Pickwick Papers' in 1837, which established him as a prominent writer.

In 1835, Dickens married Catherine Hogarth, with whom he would go on to have ten children. However, their marriage was not to last, and they separated in 1858. Throughout his life, Dickens penned numerous novels that depicted the social challenges of his time, earning both critical acclaim and a vast readership. His literary journey came to an end at his home in Gads Hill, Kent, where he died at the age of 58. The legacy of his work continues to live on, influencing generations of readers and writers alike.