ブログ記事から抜粋
ラジオ英会話 25/1/27(月)L196 チャールズ・ディケンズ Charles Dickens
–
Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was a renowned English novelist, social critic, and one of the most important literary figures of the 19th century. His works remain popular and are celebrated for their vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and critique of social issues in Victorian England.
チャールズ・ディケンズ（1812-1870）は、有名なイギリスの小説家であり、社会批評家であり、19世紀を代表する文学者の一人である。彼の作品は今でも人気があり、その鮮やかなストーリーテリング、印象的な登場人物、ヴィクトリア朝イングランドの社会問題に対する批評で賞賛されている。
Early Life
Born: February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England.
Dickens came from a modest family, and his early years were marked by financial difficulties. His father was imprisoned for debt, forcing young Dickens to leave school and work in a factory to support his family.
These hardships deeply influenced his later works, particularly his themes of poverty, social injustice, and the struggles of the working class.
Writing Career
Dickens began his literary career as a journalist and gained popularity with his serialized stories, a common format in the 19th century.
His first major success came with “The Pickwick Papers” (1836–1837), which established him as a leading writer of his time.
Notable Works
Dickens wrote 15 major novels, many of which are considered classics. Some of his most famous works include:
“Oliver Twist” (1837–1839): A story of an orphan navigating life in a cruel and corrupt world, shedding light on the plight of the poor.
“David Copperfield” (1849–1850): A semi-autobiographical novel chronicling the life of the protagonist from childhood to maturity.
“A Christmas Carol” (1843): A timeless novella about redemption and generosity, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and the transformative power of kindness.
“Bleak House” (1852–1853): A critique of the British legal system, interwoven with a complex, multi-layered plot.
“Great Expectations” (1860–1861): The coming-of-age story of Pip, exploring themes of ambition, social class, and personal growth.
“Hard Times” (1854): A critique of industrial society and its dehumanizing effects on workers.
「オリバー・ツイスト』（1837-1839）： 残酷で腐敗した世の中を生き抜く孤児の物語で、貧しい人々の苦境に光を当てた。
「デイヴィッド・カッパーフィールド』（1849-1850年）： 主人公の子供時代から大人になるまでの半自伝的小説。
「クリスマス・キャロル』（1843年）： エベニーザ・スクルージと優しさの変容を描いた、贖罪と寛大さについての不朽の小説。
「荒涼館』（1852-1853年）： イギリスの法制度に対する批判を、複雑で重層的なプロットと織り交ぜて描く。
「大いなる期待」（1860-1861年）： ピップの青春物語で、野心、社会階級、個人の成長をテーマにしている。
「ハード・タイムズ』（1854年）： 産業社会とそれが労働者に与える非人間的な影響を批判した作品。
Writing Style and Themes
Dickens is known for his richly drawn characters, ranging from heroes to grotesque villains.
His works often combine humor, satire, and pathos to highlight issues like poverty, child labor, education, and the inequalities of industrial society.
He was a master of social commentary, using his novels to advocate for reform and justice.
Personal Life
Dickens married Catherine Hogarth in 1836, and the couple had ten children. However, their marriage was strained, and they separated in 1858.
Despite his fame, Dickens maintained a rigorous work schedule, often writing, editing, and touring for public readings of his works.
Legacy
Dickens is regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time, with his works translated into numerous languages and adapted into countless films, plays, and TV series.
His stories and characters, such as Oliver Twist, Ebenezer Scrooge, and Pip, remain enduring symbols of his literary genius.
He influenced subsequent generations of writers and continues to be studied and celebrated worldwide.
Death
Dickens died of a stroke on June 9, 1870, at the age of 58. He was buried in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner, a testament to his lasting impact on English literature.
–
Charles Dickens ˈtʃɑːrlz ˈdɪkɪnz チャールズ・ディケンズ
renowned rɪˈnaʊnd 名高い、有名な
novelist ˈnɒvəlɪst 小説家
social critic ˈsəʊʃl ˈkrɪtɪk 社会批評家
literary figure ˈlɪtərəri ˈfɪɡjər 文学界の人物
Victorian England vɪkˈtɔːriən ˈɪŋɡlənd ビクトリア朝イングランド
financial difficulties faɪˈnænʃl ˌdɪfɪkʌltiz 金銭的困難
serialized stories ˈsɪəriəlaɪzd ˈstɔːriz 連載小説
poverty ˈpɒvəti 貧困
social injustice ˈsəʊʃl ˌɪnˈdʒʌstɪs 社会的不正義
working class ˈwɜːrkɪŋ klɑːs 労働者階級
“The Pickwick Papers” ðə ˈpɪkwɪk ˈpeɪpərz 『ピックウィック・ペーパーズ』
orphan ˈɔːfən 孤児
redemption rɪˈdempʃn 贖罪、償い
Ebenezer Scrooge ˌɛbəˈniːzər ˈskruːdʒ エベニーザ・スクルージ（人物名）
humor ˈhjuːmər ユーモア
satire ˈsætaɪər 風刺
pathos ˈpeɪθɒs 哀愁、情感
child labor tʃaɪld ˈleɪbər 児童労働
inequalities ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪtiz 不平等
industrial society ɪnˈdʌstriəl səˈsaɪəti 工業社会
Catherine Hogarth ˈkæθərɪn ˈhəʊɡɑːrθ キャサリン・ホガース（人物名）
Westminster Abbey ˌwɛstˈmɪnstər ˈæbi ウェストミンスター寺院
Poets’ Corner ˈpəʊɪts ˈkɔːrnər 詩人のコーナー
stroke strəʊk 脳卒中
lasting impact ˈlæstɪŋ ˈɪmpækt 永続的な影響
social commentary ˈsəʊʃl ˈkɒməntri 社会的批評
public readings ˈpʌblɪk ˈriːdɪŋz 公開朗読
Follow me!
