NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Biography. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a great English novelist. When a mere boy he moved to London, where he afterward lived and wrote. As a child he was neglected and his education was limited. He first showed his ability to write when he became a reporter for a London newspaper. Here his unusual powers of narration and description brought him marked success in writing character sketches, which he signed “Boz.” Before Dickens was thirty he was the most popular writer in England. He attacked the cruelty and stupidity with which the children of the poor were treated in English schools; he opened the eyes of the people to the injustice that was suffered by laborers and all poor people; he saw also, like Robert Burns, the sincerity and simple happiness that often make the poor more to be envied than the rich. No other novelist has invented so many characters that seem flesh and blood; they appeal to us because they are “folks,” not imaginary dwellers in an unreal world. You will note this ability and the author’s rare power of telling a story, as you read “The Wreck of the Golden Mary.” Dickens made two visits to America, where he was received with great enthusiasm. His second visit was made in 1867, when he gave public readings from his own works. His vivid imagination and keen human sympathy give to his writings a peculiar interest and charm.

Discussion. 1. Has Dickens any purpose in writing this story, except to interest and entertain? 2. Are you more interested in the characters, or in the things that happen to them; that is, is this tale a character study or a story of adventure? 3. Is it both? 4. Does the story contain much conversation, or is it mainly narration? 5. Are there many descriptions in it? 6. Are they descriptions of nature, of people, or of events? 7. Read what you consider the finest description. 8. What two persons tell the story? 9. Which makes the more decided impression upon you? 10. How does Captain Ravender describe himself? 11. Are his words in keeping with his education and occupation—such as a self-educated, seafaring man would be likely to use? 12. Select and read expressions which indicate that he is a sailor and uses a sailor’s speech. 13. Name some of the Captain’s characteristics and read passages to illustrate each. 14. Notice that his character is revealed to us, (1) through his own words in relating the story; (2) through what he does; (3) through the conduct of others toward him; and (4) through the chief mate’s words. Read lines to illustrate each. 15. Which of the other characters is most interesting? 16. Select incidents which show the influence upon others of the Captain’s cheerfulness, resourcefulness, bravery, common-sense, and determination. 17. Do you think one of the purposes Dickens had in writing this story may have been to picture the influence of a brave, just, and generous spirit in such adverse circumstances? 18. Pronounce the following: extraordinary; calculations; sustenance.

Phrases

TALES FROM SHAKESPEARE