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Charles Dickens has a talent for using historical events to
shape the relationships and fates of his characters in his novels, and this is
especially evident in "Barnaby Rudge". This historical fiction is set during the
Gordon Riots of 1780, where a mob of Londoners fueled by hatred of Roman
Catholicism carried out acts of violence, looting, and arson. The riots take up
much of the story and are described with vivid detail and accuracy, creating an
atmosphere of fear that pervaded the city during that time.
However, the plot is not without its flaws. Dickens has a tendency to be
sentimental, leading to all the characters, whether good or bad, receiving their
just deserts in the end. This is not a reflection of reality and undermines the
credibility of the story. The characters representing the lower classes are far
more interesting and well-rounded, but their exaggerated misuse of the English
language is unrealistic. On the other hand, the middle and upper-class
characters are bland and lack depth.
Despite its weaknesses, "Barnaby Rudge" remains a popular piece of fiction and a
masterful example of popular storytelling. It has all the elements that
Victorian readers wanted: exaggerated portrayals of low-life characters, a love
interest with a happy ending, an exciting plot with vivid descriptions, a
well-executed conclusion with justice served, and an eccentric character like
Barnaby Rudge and his talking raven. However, it still falls short in comparison
to other great works of literature.
The novel, like many Victorian works, is too long and wordy for modern tastes.
It's a common issue among Victorian novelists, including Trollope, who also
struggles with verbosity but creates more convincing endings that stem from the
characters' personalities rather than being imposed on them. The use of
working-class English in the novel is questionable, as it doesn't accurately
reflect the language used by the working class in London, even during that time
period.
In conclusion, "Barnaby Rudge" is an enjoyable read that offers a glimpse into
the historical events of the Gordon Riots and the social climate of London
during that time. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a classic of Victorian
literature and a testament to Dickens' storytelling abilities. |
