Poem Analysis - With Dickens

Introduction: A Drunken Ode to Dickens

Henry Lawson's "With Dickens" is a boisterous, sentimental, and ultimately melancholic tribute to the works of Charles Dickens. The poem functions as both a literary appreciation and a personal confession, blurring the lines between the fictional world Dickens created and the harsh realities of the speaker's own life. The tone is conversational and informal, shifting between enthusiastic admiration, self-deprecating humor, and moments of genuine pathos as the speaker seeks solace in the characters and stories of his favorite author. The poem's mood transitions from convivial celebration to quiet reflection, revealing a profound loneliness beneath the surface of drunken revelry.

The Comfort of Characters: Escapism and Identification

One of the poem's central themes is the power of literature to provide escapism and comfort in the face of hardship. The speaker, "hard up and in exile," finds solace in the familiar world of Dickens, peopled with characters he seems to know intimately. This is evident in the numerous allusions throughout the poem, where Dickens's characters almost seem to physically present with the speaker. "There's Jingle, Tigg, and Chevy Slyme, / And Weevle whom you will," indicates a comfort in the predictability and presence of these fictional characters in the speaker's imagination. He doesn't just read Dickens; he inhabits his world, finding echoes of Dickens's London in his own surroundings, even seeing Dickensian archetypes like the "shabby clerk" and "ragged children" in the modern-day streets around him. This identification serves as a means of coping with his own difficult circumstances.

The Flawed Heroes: A Critical Perspective on Dickens

Another compelling theme revolves around the speaker's complex relationship with Dickens's characters, particularly his rejection of the traditional "heroes." The speaker explicitly states his dislike for characters like David Copperfield, Nicholas Nickleby, and Pip, viewing them as "selfish, injured sticks" who are too often rewarded for their self-interest. "They’re mostly selfish in their love, / And selfish in their hate," suggesting a critique of Victorian morality and social conventions. Instead, the speaker identifies with the marginalized and flawed characters like Newman Noggs, the "Charleys' and the haggard wives," and especially Dick Swiveller, a dissolute but ultimately kind-hearted figure. This preference for the underdogs reveals a rebellious spirit and a sympathy for those who struggle outside the confines of societal expectations.

Masks and Reality: Unveiling Hidden Truths

The recurring image of the "mask" serves as a crucial symbol, representing the discrepancy between outward appearances and inner realities. The speaker observes that "Some wear a mask to hide the false / (And some the good and true)," suggesting that everyone, even seemingly straightforward characters like Mark Tapley, may conceal hidden depths. This theme explores the idea that people often present a carefully constructed façade to the world, hiding their true emotions and vulnerabilities. The masks of "cheerfulness," "pride," and "benevolence" reflect the complexities of human nature and the often-difficult task of discerning genuine character. This focus on the masks people wear serves to deepen the poem's engagement with social commentary.

Conclusion: An Affirmation of Humanity

"With Dickens" is more than just a literary tribute; it's a poignant reflection on the human condition. Through his drunken ramblings and fervent defense of Dickens's flawed characters, the speaker reveals his own struggles with isolation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a world filled with hardship. The poem ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of empathy, finding kinship with the marginalized and forgotten figures who populate Dickens's novels. The final image of Sidney Carton's "glorious death" suggests a fascination with self-sacrifice and redemption, hinting at the speaker's own longing for purpose and connection. The poem affirms the importance of human connection and is a celebration of the power of art.