Charles Dickens: Una Pope-Hennessy

Dickens was an adept at what he called laying his hand upon the time, and in doing so became the recognised exponent of the English character and society to Victorian England and to the world. He revealed the masses to the classes in one country, and people all over the world understood what he had to say. No-one of his day understood the condition of England better and he appealed to the people with his life long crusade against illiteracy, vile industrial conditions and slumdom. His novels paint the most vivid picture of the appalling conditions that were considered adequate for the poor and the complete lack of interest from those in power who could have changed these conditions, not to mention the corruption endemic amongst those in power. His books were instrumental in creating the awareness needed for lasting and beneficial change.