The Gospel Influences On Dickens's Art

Author

Jan Douglas Hodge

Publication Date

12-16-1976

Abstract

One of the most important and least regarded influences on Dickens is the New Testament. Despite his many statements of veneration for the Gospel text, the nature and depth of the Christian vision in his writing has been underestimated. Dickens, not a systematic thinker, distrusted doctrine and dogma, but appreciated profoundly both the example of the living Christ and the Gospel narratives which record His "beneficent history" and the reality of the Christian caritas community. In them he found confirmation for many of his beliefs: the essential goodness of human nature, even though "the shadows of our own desires stand between us and our better angels"; the need to protect innocence, especially that of children; the efficacy of a modest, loving spirit.

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Paul Benjamin Davis

Second Committee Member

Mary Jane Power

Third Committee Member

Ivan Peter Melada

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Recommended Citation

Hodge, Jan Douglas. "The Gospel Influences On Dickens's Art." (1976). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/engl_etds/454