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Hi guys I am new here. I love and hate Dickens on equal measure but this assignment I have has me ripping my hair out in fury and Dickens isn't an idol at this moment in time.

We have to discuss representations of the city in England. How writers have responded to it and how they have chosen to represent it.

We also have Jekyll and Hyde and Brick Lane to play with. My question is how does a city become represented? I am not sure what the question is asking. Any help or pointing in some sort of direction would be greatly appreciated.

For one thing, Dickens made many social commentaries through his themes.  His view of society as a person portrays people in his day  trapped in their socio-economic situations.  So, using the city as a microcosm of society--since it usually have all levels in it--you could discuss this motif of Dickens as represented in London.

Some examples of this motif are in "The Christmas Carol" as the various Ghosts take Scrooge to different parts of the city.  Remember the horrible rag pickers in the filthy shop and lowest section of the city?  The miserly Scrooge and the avaricious associates of his who have no concern for the poor?  Consider also the contrast of the city to country villages.  Pip in "Great Expectations" views the city as a place of superiority in its sophisticated areas.  He longs to be a gentleman and not merely "common."  Yet, the city office of Mr. Jaggers the lawyer is near the disease-ridden Newgate Prison.

Dickens is skilled in portraying the life of the common man in London, the plight of those who fall afoul of the law and the hypocrisy of the rich.  Since his parents had been in debtors' prison, Dickens had a passionate hatred of such institutions as courts and jail.  Look to "A Tale of Two Cities" for some germane descriptions as well.

Regarding "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," the dichotomy of the different sides of London town are certainly relevant.  For instance, you may wish to consider if the sordid side of the city allows for the crimes of Hyde, or whether the corruption of the wealthy side conducive to Jekyll's carrying his experiments too far.

A city can provide a wonderful tableau for an author, can it not?

Hope these ideas spark some for you!

Thanks for that, mwestwood. It's definitely a good starting place.

Just one more question, would anybody happen to know a good website or e-library or even a link for critiques of Dicken's work, especially with regards to the city?

That would be a huge help as I could encorporate that with my own thoughts.

Thanks in advance for anyone that can help, and thanks again mwestwood.

Hi prufrock, you don't by any chance go to UCLAN do you?

In regular libraries, there are reference books such as Contemporary Literary Criticisms which have professional essays on renowned authors.  Also, if you will do some research on Charles Dickens himself, you may come across discussions of Dickens's attitudes on London etc.

Dickens's "Bleak House" is his greatest social criticism.  You may wish to read about this novel, as well. 

Hope this helps a little.