Henry, this is a true, powerful testimony to Dickens' genius--in all of its wild and whirling words.
Love this summary connection between "Rudge" and our times:
And of course, Barnaby Rudge is very relevant today. We live in a sprawling, messy world where rioters can storm the Capitol in America, Twitter mobs can swim in the fire of their indignation, otherwise innocent people get taken to the edge of despair by inadvertently joining or battling the riot, populists and demagogues abound. In all of this, our politics and our culture is not neat and well-proportioned. The news rolls along with Dickensian fervour and disregard for the quiet life we all supposedly wish for.
Thank you for this very thoughtful, insightful, and helpful "lens" for seeing Dickens and his writing with clarity and deep respect.
Henry, what a marvelous essay in praise of this *perfectly*, gloriously, occasionally-imperfect work! It was such a delight to meet you with our wonderful Dickensian little mob this week. Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful piece. Barnaby is indeed unjustly overlooked. It is so entertaining, beautifully written, and so applicable.
Henry, this is a true, powerful testimony to Dickens' genius--in all of its wild and whirling words.
Love this summary connection between "Rudge" and our times:
And of course, Barnaby Rudge is very relevant today. We live in a sprawling, messy world where rioters can storm the Capitol in America, Twitter mobs can swim in the fire of their indignation, otherwise innocent people get taken to the edge of despair by inadvertently joining or battling the riot, populists and demagogues abound. In all of this, our politics and our culture is not neat and well-proportioned. The news rolls along with Dickensian fervour and disregard for the quiet life we all supposedly wish for.
Thank you for this very thoughtful, insightful, and helpful "lens" for seeing Dickens and his writing with clarity and deep respect.
Daniel
Thank you Daniel, glad you liked it!
Henry, what a marvelous essay in praise of this *perfectly*, gloriously, occasionally-imperfect work! It was such a delight to meet you with our wonderful Dickensian little mob this week. Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful piece. Barnaby is indeed unjustly overlooked. It is so entertaining, beautifully written, and so applicable.
Thank you Rachel. I look forward to more of the Chronological Dickens Club!