• Before you begin reading, ask yourself any questions you may have about the subject of the text or about the author's purpose.

• As you are reading, take notes on any key ideas or supporting details that you think are important. Write down any questions you may have, too.

• When you are finished reading, go back to any topics in the text that were confusing to clarify their meanings.

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was one of the most famous English writers of the 19th century. Some of his most well-known works are A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations. Besides being a successful author, Dickens was also a great advocate for social reform, especially in regards to poverty and child labor. In contrast to his later success in life, Dickens had experienced harsh difficulties in his childhood that would influence him for the rest of his life.

The Dickens family experienced numerous financial difficulties over the years, primarily because of Charles's father, John Dickens. The family moved frequently, and in 1823, Dickens left school because his family could no longer afford the fees. The next year, 1824, was probably the worst year in Dickens's life. His father was sent to prison for not paying his debts, and Dickens was sent to work in a blacking factory, which made polish for boots, to help support his family. Living alone in a boarding house, Dickens worked 12-hour days in the factory for four months until his father received an inheritance and paid off his debt.

Dickens used his personal experiences in his novels to bring attention to problems that many in society often ignored. He frequently wrote about poverty, criminality, and the exploitation of child labor in a way that was accessible to the general public. Outside of his writing, Dickens was also a philanthropist. Because his own schooling had been interrupted, he supported charities that worked to educate impoverished children. Overall, Dickens was a man much admired in his own time and whose works still influence people all over the world today.

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was one of the most famous English writers of the 19th century. Some of his most well-known works are A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations. Besides being a successful author, Dickens was also a great advocate for social reform, In contrast to his later success in life, Dickens had experienced harsh difficulties in his childhood that would influence him for the rest of his life.

The Dickens family experienced numerous financial difficulties over the years, primarily because of Charles's father, John Dickens. The family moved frequently, and in 1823, Dickens left school because his family could no longer afford the fees. The next year, 1824, was probably the worst year in Dickens's life. His father was sent to prison for not paying his debts, and Dickens was sent to work in a blacking factory, which made polish for boots, to help support his family. Living alone in a boarding house, Dickens worked 12-hour days in the factory for four months until his father received an inheritance and paid off his debt.

Dickens used his personal experiences in his novels to bring attention to problems that many in society often ignored. He frequently wrote about poverty, criminality, and the exploitation of child labor in a way that was accessible to the general public. Outside of his writing, Dickens was also a philanthropist. Because his own schooling had been interrupted, he supported charities that worked to educate impoverished children. Overall, Dickens was a man much admired in his own time and whose works still influence people all over the world today.

Charles Dickens was a famous English author who brought attention to many societal issues. As a child, his family struggled with money, and Dickens was sent to work long hours in a factory. His experiences in the factory would later become the focus of his writing and inspired him to support children in similar situations.