Dickens lived in the transitional period from feudal society to capitalist society in England. The development of capitalism has made a large number of petty bourgeoisie poor and bankrupt, and the proletariat has been brutally exploited and plunged into abject poverty. The proletarian revolutionary movement in Britain at that time, that is, the Charter Movement, had a great influence on Dickens. His works reflect the mood and demands of the people in the Charter Movement era, but he is always a reformist. He sympathizes with the working people and fears the revolution. He attacked the capitalist system and constantly exposed its evils, but he did not advocate overthrowing it. He hopes to reform the exploiters through education and influence, and eliminate social contradictions through their kindness and charity. He truly and profoundly reflected life with vivid and humorous brushstrokes. During his 34-year writing career, he wrote 14 novels (including an unfinished novel), many short stories, essays, travel notes, plays and so on. Dickens' creation can be roughly divided into four periods. The late period (1848 ~ 186 1) is the heyday of Dickens' creation. Due to the failure of the British and French revolutionary movement, the reactionary forces of the bourgeoisie became more arrogant, Dickens' understanding of society deepened, and his works reflected a broader social life. He focuses on the kindness, warmth and moral influence of little people. Optimism has been replaced by heavy, depressed emotions and strong resentment. The main works at this time include Dombey and Son, david copperfield, Bleak House, Hard Times, Little Dooley, A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. The theme of these works is deepening; Artistic style also has different characteristics from the past. The author is good at using typical details to express the characteristics of characters; While focusing on describing the kindness, warmth and moral influence of the little people, it also makes an artistic summary of the criminal and inhuman social system of the bourgeoisie with strong appeal.
Great expectations can be regarded as David. Copperfield is negative, but the exploration of life path is more realistic and warning, and the author's optimism in his early years is obviously reduced. Pip, the hero, is also an orphan, but he can't stand the temptation of the environment and loses his original simple nature. After experiencing severe hardships, he repented and started a new life, and the whole novel was more concise in structure.