Dickens Treatment of Funerals in "Dombey and Son" and "David Copperfield"

Essay , 2011 , 7 Seiten , Note: 1,7

Anglistik - Literatur

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

• Dickens's Treatment of Funerals in Dombey and Son and David Copperfield
• The Funeral of Fanny Dombey
• The Ritual Character of the Funeral
• The Exclusion of Fanny's Identity
• The Symbolic Burial of Fanny's Furniture
• Paul Dombey's Funeral
• The Theatrical Presentation of the Funeral
• The Satirical Depiction of the Funeral Procession
• The Funeral as a Symbol of Social Union
• The Servants' Inappropriate Behavior
• Funerals in David Copperfield
• Mr Omer's Funeral Home
• The Industrialization of Death
• The Burial of Clara Copperfield

Objectives and Key Themes

This work analyzes Charles Dickens's depiction of funerals in his novels *Dombey and Son* and *David Copperfield*, exploring his views on the Victorian funeral customs and the significance of death within his narratives. The analysis focuses on how Dickens critiques the theatrical and ritualistic aspects of funerals, their economic exploitation, and the impact of death on the characters and their relationships. * **The Theatrical and Ritualistic Nature of Victorian Funerals:** Dickens criticizes the excessive formality and spectacle of Victorian funeral customs, highlighting the absurdity of the rituals and their focus on appearances over genuine emotion. * **The Economic Exploitation of Death:** The author examines the growing commercialization of funeral services, showing how the industry exploits the grief of mourners for financial gain. * **The Social Significance of Death:** The analysis considers the social implications of death, examining how it can create social unity or, conversely, expose the flaws and hypocrisies within a community. * **The Relationship Between Grief and Mourning:** The work explores how Dickens portrays different characters' responses to death, highlighting the emotional complexities of grief and mourning. * **The Role of Undertakers in Victorian Society:** The analysis considers Dickens's portrayal of undertakers, examining whether they are presented as exploitative businessmen or sympathetic figures who offer comfort and support.

Chapter Summaries

This section focuses on the main themes and arguments explored in each chapter, excluding summaries of the conclusion or any sections containing major spoilers. * **The Funeral of Fanny Dombey:** This chapter analyzes the depiction of Fanny Dombey's funeral, highlighting Dickens's critique of the ritualistic aspects of the ceremony, the exclusion of Fanny's identity, and the use of symbolic imagery to represent the burial process. * **Paul Dombey's Funeral:** This chapter examines Paul Dombey's funeral, exploring how Dickens uses theatrical elements to present the event, the satirical portrayal of the funeral procession, and the potential for funerals to foster social unity. It also discusses the inappropriate behavior of the servants, suggesting a critique of self-indulgence in the face of death. * **Funerals in David Copperfield:** This chapter delves into the depiction of funerals in *David Copperfield*, particularly focusing on the contrasting portrayals of Mr Omer's funeral home and the industrialization of death. It also examines the burial of Clara Copperfield and its significance within the narrative.

Keywords

The primary focus of this work is on Charles Dickens's portrayal of funerals in Victorian England, specifically within the novels *Dombey and Son* and *David Copperfield*. The key concepts explored include the theatrical and ritualistic nature of funerals, the economic exploitation of death, the social significance of death, the relationship between grief and mourning, and the role of undertakers in Victorian society.

• Hochschule: University of Kent (School of English)
• Veranstaltung: Charles Dickens and Victorian England
• Note: 1,7
• Autor: Franz Kröber (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2011
• Seiten: 7
• Katalognummer: V189277
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656134114
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: dickens, treatment, funerals, dombey, david, copperfield