Funeral of Charles Dickens

Funeral of Charles Dickens
Name	Charles Dickens
Date	June 14, 1870
Location	Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey
Mourners	Queen Victoria, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Wilkie Collins, Charles Reade

Funeral of Charles Dickens. The Victorian era was marked by the passing of one of its most celebrated authors, Charles Dickens, who died on June 9, 1870, at his Gads Hill Place residence, leaving behind a legacy of works such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations. His death was a significant loss for the literary world, with notable figures like William Makepeace Thackeray and Elizabeth Gaskell having preceded him in death. The news of his passing spread quickly, reaching the likes of Lewis Carroll, Anthony Trollope, and George Eliot, who were all influenced by his writing.

Introduction

The life and works of Charles Dickens had a profound impact on English literature, with his novels often exploring themes of social justice, as seen in Bleak House and Little Dorrit. His writing was widely acclaimed by contemporaries, including Thomas Carlyle, John Ruskin, and Matthew Arnold. The announcement of his death was met with an outpouring of grief from the public, with many fans of his work, such as Oscar Wilde and Robert Louis Stevenson, expressing their condolences. The funeral arrangements were made by his family, including his wife Catherine Dickens and his friend John Forster, who had been a close companion to Charles Dickens throughout his life.

Death and Funeral Arrangements

The death of Charles Dickens was a significant event, with news of his passing reaching the likes of Prime Minister William Gladstone and Disraeli. The funeral arrangements were made in consultation with Dean Stanley of Westminster Abbey, who agreed to hold the service in Poets' Corner. The decision to hold the funeral at Westminster Abbey was seen as a fitting tribute to Charles Dickens's contribution to English literature, with other notable authors such as Jane Austen and Samuel Johnson having been buried there. The funeral procession was attended by many notable figures, including Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Wilkie Collins, and Charles Reade, who were all influenced by Charles Dickens's writing.

The Funeral Service

The funeral service was held on June 14, 1870, and was attended by a large congregation, including Queen Victoria, who sent a wreath to be placed on the coffin. The service was conducted by Dean Stanley and included readings from The Bible and The Book of Common Prayer. The eulogy was delivered by John Forster, who spoke about Charles Dickens's life and works, highlighting his contributions to English literature and his commitment to social justice. The service was also attended by other notable figures, including Charles Darwin, Herbert Spencer, and John Stuart Mill, who were all influenced by Charles Dickens's writing.

Attendees and Tributes

The funeral was attended by many notable figures, including Lewis Carroll, Anthony Trollope, and George Eliot, who were all influenced by Charles Dickens's writing. The service was also attended by Robert Browning, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who were all part of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The tributes to Charles Dickens continued to pour in, with many authors and critics writing about his life and works, including Walter Bagehot, Leslie Stephen, and George Saintsbury. The funeral was seen as a fitting tribute to Charles Dickens's contribution to English literature, with many regarding him as one of the greatest authors of the Victorian era.

Burial and Legacy

Charles Dickens was buried in Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey, alongside other notable authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer and John Dryden. The burial was seen as a fitting tribute to his contribution to English literature, with many regarding him as one of the greatest authors of the Victorian era. The legacy of Charles Dickens continues to be felt, with his works remaining widely read and studied, including A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, and Great Expectations. His influence can be seen in the works of many other authors, including Thomas Hardy, Joseph Conrad, and E.M. Forster, who were all influenced by his writing.

Public Reaction

The public reaction to the death of Charles Dickens was one of widespread grief, with many fans of his work expressing their condolences. The news of his passing was met with an outpouring of tributes, with many authors and critics writing about his life and works. The funeral was seen as a fitting tribute to his contribution to English literature, with many regarding him as one of the greatest authors of the Victorian era. The legacy of Charles Dickens continues to be felt, with his works remaining widely read and studied, and his influence can be seen in the works of many other authors, including Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, and George Orwell. The Charles Dickens Museum was established in his honor, and his works continue to be celebrated and studied around the world, including at Oxford University and Cambridge University.

Category:Funerals