Miriam Margolyes, writer and actor, discusses the fascinating aspects of Charles Dickens' life, including his relationships with women, his revenge on a scornful lover, and his portrayal of lesbian love. The podcast delves into Dickens' early life, influences, and the complexities of his personality. It also explores the themes of love, betrayal, and revenge in his famous novel 'Great Expectations'. The discussion raises the question of separating the artist from their art and the difficulties of appreciating an artist's work in spite of their flaws.
The complex relationships in Charles Dickens' life, particularly with his mother and wife, greatly influenced his portrayal of women in his novels.
Despite Charles Dickens' personal flaws and controversies, his literary contributions provide valuable insights into human relationships and continue to be cherished by readers.
Deep dives
Charles Dickens' Complex Relationships with Women
Charles Dickens, renowned British writer, had complex relationships with women that influenced his work. His difficult relationship with his mother, who he felt didn't show him enough love, shaped his views on women. Dickens' wife, Catherine, experienced his betrayal as he had an affair with actress Ellen Ternan and tried to have Catherine placed in a mental institution. Despite his personal flaws, Dickens was a celebrated and influential writer, with his works showcasing his vivid imagination and mastery of prose. While acknowledging his problematic behavior, readers continue to appreciate and enjoy his literary creations.
The Women Characters in Dickens' Works
In Dickens' novels, female characters are depicted in various ways. Michael Slater categorized them into three types: prepubescent girls, unattainable sexual objects, and the grotesque or funny characters. Dickens' strained relationship with his mother may have influenced his portrayal of women. One of the notable female characters is Nancy from Oliver Twist. She is presented as an idealized prostitute who passionately loves Bill Sikes. Another intriguing character is Miss Wrayth, a lesbian representation. While Dickens' depiction of women may be idealized or tropic at times, his works still hold valuable insights into human relationships and gender dynamics.
The Controversies Surrounding Dickens' Personal Life
The personal life of Charles Dickens was marred by controversy. He separated from his wife Catherine, leaving her feeling betrayed and abandoned. Dickens' attempt to have Catherine institutionalized showcases his callousness. Additionally, his relationship with actress Nelly Turner was marked by secrecy and manipulation. Despite his influential literary contributions, Dickens' personal shortcomings serve as a reminder of the complexity of human nature and the potential for contradictions.
Balancing the Art and the Artist
When examining Charles Dickens and his work, one is faced with the challenge of separating the art from the artist. Dickens' personal life was filled with flaws and questionable actions. However, his literary contributions are undeniably significant and continue to be cherished by readers. Ultimately, the decision to appreciate his works is a personal one, acknowledging the problematic aspects while still finding value in his storytelling and profound insights into human nature.
Joining us today is writer, actor and all-round Charles Dickens superfan Miriam Margolyes.
You might be familiar with Dickens' hugely popular stories and characters, but what influence did the women in his life have on them?
Having written and starred in the play, Dickens Women, Miriam knows better than most the complicated relationships he had in his life: from his mother who took him out of school to work in a rat-infested blacking factory aged 12, to his wife whom he had a bookcase wall built to separate her from him.
How did Dickens take revenge on one lover for scorning him earlier in his life? How does Miriam square Dickens the man vs. Dickens the artist? And how did Dickens portray lesbian love?
Find out more about Miriam's tour this year, Oh Miriam!, here.
This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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