THE SOCIAL CRITICISM OF CHARLES DICKENS: EXPOSING VICTORIAN INJUSTICES

Abstract

Charles Dickens was one of the most influential social critics of the Victorian era, using his novels to expose the harsh realities of poverty, child exploitation, institutional corruption, and the consequences of industrialization. His works served as both literary masterpieces and powerful commentaries on the struggles of the lower classes in 19th-century England. This paper analyzes Dickens’s social criticism through key novels such as Oliver Twist, Hard Times, and Bleak House, illustrating how he challenged the injustices of Victorian society. By examining his depiction of poverty, class struggle, child labor, and the failures of the legal system, this study demonstrates how Dickens’s works contributed to public awareness and reform movements. Additionally, the paper explores the broader impact of Dickens’s writing on Victorian social policies and its enduring relevance in contemporary discussions on economic disparity and social justice. The findings suggest that Dickens’s novels remain significant today, as issues of social inequality and institutional corruption persist in modern societies.