I. Introduction
Developing Thesis: A “Classic” according to Webster is, “Serving a standard of excellence: of recognized value”; Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol was nothing short of this. Written just six weeks after a visit to the Field Lane school in the district of Saffron Hill in London, England. The novel was published on December 19, 1843, and by Christmas Eve 6,000 copies had been sold. More than 175 years later Dicken’s novel is still being read in households all over the world during Christmas time. A Christmas Carol was written in hopes to improve mid-nineteenth-century England. By understanding Dicken’s time spent in a boot-blackening factory, the social reforms he hoped to see, and the importance of home and family, the story behind the story of the Christmas Carol is unveiled.
II.
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Dicken’s Experience Working in a boot-blackening factory and Newly Found Desire for the Poor in England.
A. Although a fictional novel, A Christmas Carol was written to reflect a deeper concern Dickens had regarding the treatment of the less fortunate in England. Dicken’s father was laid off from his job as a paid clerk for the British Navy and sent to a debtor’s prison. Although Dickens was not the poorest of what was seen in England at the time the unemployment of his father would affect the whole family.
B. After the unemployment of his father Dickens was taken out of school and placed into a boot-blackening factory. It was here, although short-lived, that influenced much of his work not only as an author but as an advocate for society.
III. Social Reforms Dickens Hoped to See in Mid-nineteenth century England
A. Literature for Dickens was used as a springboard for political changes that he hoped to see take place in England. Through his work, he would specifically deal with the economic and social conditions of mid-nineteenth-century