Is Dickens the Original Blogger?

Dickens is essential. Why? Because Dickens pulls from life, from history, and unfortunately he used to get paid for each installment of his novel, so his works have a tendency to be quite long. The great irony, however, is that Dickens, in a sense, was one of history’s original bloggers. He was paid to submit chapters or serial installments of his books to newspaper publications over a period of weeks or months. Dickens was clever because readers became so enthralled with his words, stories and characters that they eagerly awaited each chapter he printed. He achieved a devoted following and became a role model for future writers (and bloggers) everywhere.

To get back to my original point, all freshmen entering college should experience and be able to reference Dickens. It does not matter whether you prefer Miss Havisham, Ebenezer Scrooge or Oliver Twist, but find a corner and dive into one of Dickens’ beloved novels. Readers who choose my favorite, Great Expectations, will quickly become enamored with Pip, an impoverished orphan, who finds himself the recipient of a fortune from a secret benefactor. Tales of convicts in graveyards, dilapidated mansions and unrequited love also engulf the young hero as he tries to navigate a world that has been cruel and unkind to him. Pip is an admirable character, but he makes misguided choices that have significant consequences. Perhaps that is why he is one of literature’s most relatable protagonists.

Additional Dickens Articles:

“Was Dickens Really Paid by the Word?”

The popular myth that Dickens's novels are all so long because he was “paid by the word” is not really accurate. Dickens was not paid by the word. Rather, he was paid by installment.