Charles Dickens´s view on funerals in Victorian England is widely known. The descriptions of burials in "Dombey and Son" and "David Copperfield" mirror that “[s]howy and elaborate funerary display had been a longstanding grievance with” him. Beside this critical view on burials and its procedure and features, the funerals in these narrations differ noticeably in the way they are presented and in the way they are treated by the author. By comparing "Dombey and Son" with "David Copperfield" and by carefully analyzing the funerals pictured in these narrations, one has to admit that there is no overall critique view on this particular Victorian custom. As a matter of fact, Dickens finds fault with the histrionic character of funerals, the absurd rules and conventions of this ritual and the funeral homes that consider a human being´s death a bonanza. But still, the funerals in "Dombey and Son" and "David Copperfield" have the function of expressing grief or even the meaning of connecting characters to each other. Especially Dickens characterization of Mr Omers funeral does not only mirror Dickens´s reservation against burials. Hence, Dickens finds fault with the Victorian funeral´s theatrical and ritual character as well as he questions an excessively enrichment by death. Yet, as it is expressed in "David Copperfield", he tones down his critique by the positive characterization of the undertaker Mr Omer and his family. To justify this thesis, the funerals of Fanny Dombey, Paul Dombey and David´s vistit at Mr Omer´s will be analyzed on the way they are treated by the author.
Table of Contents
1. Dickens´s Treatment of Funerals in Dombey and Son and David Copperfield
1.1 Presentation of Fanny Dombey´s funeral
1.2 Treatment of Paul´s burial
1.3 Comparison with David Copperfield
1.4 Dickens´s critique on funerals and capitalism
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how Charles Dickens portrays funerary customs in his novels "Dombey and Son" and "David Copperfield," specifically exploring his critique of the performative, ritualistic, and commercial nature of death in Victorian England.
- The theatrical and ritualistic nature of Victorian burials.
- Satirical representations of funeral proceedings and conventions.
- The characterization of undertakers and funeral professionals.
- The tension between traditional rites and emerging capitalistic structures.
- The psychological impact of funerary displays on survivors and children.
Excerpt from the Book
Dickens´s Treatment of Funerals in Dombey and Son and David Copperfield
Charles Dickens´s view on funerals in Victorian England is widely known. The descriptions of burials in Dombey and Son and David Copperfield mirror that “[s]howy and elaborate funerary display had been a longstanding grievance with” him (Garnett 3). Beside this critical view on burials and its procedure and features, the funerals in these narrations differ noticeably in the way they are presented and in the way they are treated by the author. By comparing Dombey and Son with David Copperfield and by carefully analyzing the funerals pictured in these narrations, one has to admit that there is no overall critique view on this particular Victorian custom. As a matter of fact, Dickens finds fault with the histrionic character of funerals, the absurd rules and conventions of this ritual and the funeral homes that consider a human being´s death a bonanza.
But still, the funerals in Dombey and Son and David Copperfield have the function of expressing grief or even the meaning of connecting characters to each other. Especially Dickens characterization of Mr Omers funeral does not only mirror Dickens´s reservation against burials. Hence, Dickens finds fault with the Victorian funeral´s theatrical and ritual character as well as he questions an excessively enrichment by death. Yet, as it is expressed in David Copperfield, he tones down his critique by the positive characterization of the undertaker Mr Omer and his family. To justify this thesis, the funerals of Fanny Dombey, Paul Dombey and David´s vistit at Mr Omer´s will be analyzed on the way they are treated by the author.
Chapter Summary
1. Dickens´s Treatment of Funerals in Dombey and Son and David Copperfield: This introductory section establishes the author's critical stance toward the showy and theatrical nature of Victorian funeral customs.
1.1 Presentation of Fanny Dombey´s funeral: This chapter analyzes how the funeral of Fanny Dombey is portrayed as an absurd, ritualized performance that omits the identity of the deceased to focus on social conventions.
1.2 Treatment of Paul´s burial: This chapter examines the burial of Paul Dombey, focusing on how Dickens uses euphemisms and external focalization to emphasize the performative nature of the event.
1.3 Comparison with David Copperfield: This chapter explores how David's visit to Mr. Omer's funeral home provides a deeper look into the business behind Victorian death rituals.
1.4 Dickens´s critique on funerals and capitalism: This final section reconciles Dickens's critique of the funeral industry with his nuanced, empathetic characterization of individual funeral workers, ultimately concluding that he rejects the showy nature of burials rather than seeing them purely as a symptom of amoral capitalism.
Keywords
Charles Dickens, Victorian funerals, Dombey and Son, David Copperfield, death rituals, funeral industry, capitalism, theatricality, Mr. Omer, Fanny Dombey, Paul Dombey, mourning, social critique, literature, Victorian England
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic paper?
The paper explores Charles Dickens's critical representation of funerary customs in his novels "Dombey and Son" and "David Copperfield," specifically focusing on the theatrical and commercial aspects of death in the Victorian era.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The core themes include the ritualistic nature of Victorian burials, the satire of funeral conventions, the portrayal of the "undertaker" profession, and the influence of societal expectations on mourning.
What is the central research objective?
The goal is to determine whether Dickens's portrayal of funerals serves as a blanket criticism of Victorian capitalism or if he presents a more nuanced view through his characterizations of those working in the funeral industry.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a comparative literary analysis of specific funeral scenes, examining the narrative techniques and rhetorical strategies used by Dickens to depict these events.
What is discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body examines the funerals of Fanny and Paul Dombey in "Dombey and Son," contrasts these with the funeral home scenes in "David Copperfield," and analyzes the author's treatment of the characters involved in these services.
Which keywords best describe the work?
Key terms include Victorian funerals, Charles Dickens, death rituals, theatricality, social critique, and the commodification of grief.
How does the author evaluate Mr. Omer in "David Copperfield"?
Unlike the abstract, critical view of funeral businesses, Dickens portrays Mr. Omer with unexpected empathy and kindness, suggesting that Dickens separates his disdain for the "showy" funeral industry from his view of the individuals working within it.
Why does the author focus on the "theatrical" aspect of funerals?
The author argues that Dickens viewed Victorian funerals as performances where the "form" of the event often took precedence over genuine human grief, turning mourners into audience members and the dead into props.
- Quote paper
- Franz Kröber (Author), 2011, Dickens Treatment of Funerals in "Dombey and Son" and "David Copperfield", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/189277
