D. H. CLIK Dickens Project

D. H. CLIC : Dickens Project 

Hello learners. Iam a student. I am writing this blog as part of lab activity under the unit Digital Humanities. In we have to browse the the book and discuss selected matters frome book. 

Social Protest writing  - Hard Time and Oliver Twist     

         In Dickens's "Hard Times" the character of Mrs. Sparsit illustrates a decline in social class from the aristocracy following her failed marriage. She attempts to uphold her previous haughty attitude, but is perceived as deceitful and manipulative. By examining the passages where her name is mentioned and the narrative descriptions surrounding her direct speech, we can delve into various aspects of her characterization.

Activity Sparsit 

           Notice how nearly all of the interruptions occur within Mrs. Sparsit's own speech, as indicated by the speech verbs (said Mrs. Sparsit, pursued Mrs. Sparsit, Mrs. Sparsit interposed). Another observation is that these interruptions include descriptions of Mrs. Sparsit's body language and demeanor, such as with a shake of her head, in a very impressive manner, and in a highly superior manner.

     Mrs. Sparsit's body language and demeanor, such as with a shake of her head, in a very impressive manner, and in a highly superior manner. For example, when she interjects during a conversation, her actions might be described as raising an eyebrow disdainfully, folding her arms with an air of superiority, or leaning forward with a condescending smile. These details emphasize her manipulative and haughty nature.

Activity Oliver 

     Observe how numerous phrases within these interruptions relate to intensity, physical action, coercion, or sinister body language. For comparison, perform the same activity with a different character, such as searching for "Sikes" to identify all interruptions associated with the villainous Bill Sikes. In his case, note the violent nature of the phrases linked to him.

    We can also notice how numerous phrases within these interruptions relate to keen, physical action, coercion, or sinister body language. For instance, you might find phrases like "with a menacing glare," "clenched his fists," or "leaned in threateningly." For comparison, perform the same activity with a different character,  "Sikes" to identify all interruptions associated with the villainous Bill Sikes. In his case, note the violent nature of the phrases linked to him, such as "struck with brutal force," "growled menacingly," or "seized violently."

The significance of the fireplace in society:

        This activity seeks to link textual patterns in novels to social or cultural behaviors and conventions in the real world. Given that most texts in CLiC were penned in the 19th century, we focus on the cultural context of that era. Section 12 above examined the role of fire in A Christmas Carol, and here we shift our attention to a related topic: the 'fireplace pose' in 19th-century fiction.

       This pose has been recognized in literature and other cultural materials from the period, such as paintings. Barbara Korte discusses this in her book on body language (Korte 1997: 212). Mahlberg (2013) has explored textual patterns of the fireplace pose in Dickens’s novels and notes that the phrase "with his back to the fire" appears particularly often.

     The fireplace, typically a symbol of warmth and comfort, is reimagined as a platform for masculine display. Turning one's back to the fire indicates a detachment from domestic life, hinting at a focus on external or professional matters. This fireplace pose can be analyzed through a Freudian perspective, with the fire representing the unconscious mind and the turned back acting as a defense mechanism against deeper emotions or desires.

     Likewise, in Dombey and Son, the fireplace serves as a place for male characters to reflect, gaze, or wait. Of the seven instances, six involve male characters.

   In "Our Mutual Friend," the description of Podsnap "executing a statuette of the Colossus at Rhodes" implies a posture of dominance and self-importance. Dickens uses the fireplace to underscore the superficiality and pretense of the Veneerings' social circle. Similarly, in his other works, characters around the fireplace often exhibit similar behavior.When a character is described as looking at the fire, it may suggest melancholy. Fire-gazing can symbolize avoidance of eye contact with other characters in the room, indicating a desire to withdraw.Fog is another symbol that introduces layers of confusion in thoughts and atmosphere. The combination of fire and fog adds complexity; for instance, in the opening sentence, showing other characters in fog could imply differing opinions, thoughts, or agreements.

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