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Zadie Smith on Dickens, Hypocrisy & Justice
Oct 5, 2023
Novelist Zadie Smith discusses the lasting impact of Charles Dickens on her writing and his presence in her new novel. They explore Dickens' anti-hypocrisy views, compare his work to Russian literature, and discuss the power of novels to inspire action and reveal human complexity.
50:18
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Quick takeaways
- Dickens' novels may not provide a comprehensive understanding of broader political landscapes, but they have the ability to inspire action and raise awareness of important social problems.
- Novelists like Zadie Smith and Toni Morrison explore aesthetic and existential aspects of human existence, provoking deep introspection and transforming readers' perspectives on life and the power of fiction itself.
Deep dives
The Universality and Provinciality of Dickens
Dickens is seen as both a universal and provincial novelist. While he is widely read and relatable across different cultures, his focus on England and its societal issues can make his perspective relatively narrow compared to Russian literature of the same period. However, Dickens' ability to inspire action and his clear moral messages make his novels impactful, even if they may not provide a comprehensive understanding of broader political landscapes.
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