The Life of Charles Dickens - Lesson 5 - The Early Years Worksheet

The formative years of Charles Dickens were marked by hardship and adversity, a theme that often permeated his later literary works. At the tender age of twelve, Dickens' life took a dramatic and challenging turn when his father was incarcerated for unpaid debts. This event plunged the family into a state of distress, mirroring the struggles depicted in Dickens' novel 'Hard Times'. The financial burden that fell upon the family was so severe that it necessitated young Charles to make a significant sacrifice.

To alleviate the financial strain on his family, Charles was compelled to abandon his education. He left school, a place where a young mind like his should have been nurtured and developed, and instead, he was thrust into the workforce. Charles found himself labouring in a factory, an experience that not only exposed him to the harsh realities of industrial life but also shaped his perspectives and influenced his future writings. These early experiences would leave an indelible mark on Dickens and become a source of inspiration for his vivid storytelling and his advocacy for social reform.