Dickens'S Clowns: Charles Dickens, Joseph Grimaldi and the Pantomime of Life

This book explores Dickens' imaginative engagement with Joseph Grimaldi, the protagonist of his Memoirs. It reappraises the significance of Grimaldi in Dickens' life and work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on Charles Dickens' Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi, delving into the author's imaginative engagement with its central protagonist. Through a comprehensive analysis of the text, the book explores Dickens' intricate portrayal of Joseph Grimaldi, his life, and his struggles, highlighting the themes of poverty, social injustice, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

Dickens' portrayal of Joseph Grimaldi is characterized by a deep empathy and understanding, as he depicts the character's hardships and challenges with a nuanced and compassionate touch. The book explores the various aspects of Joseph's life, including his childhood, his career as a clown, and his relationships with family and friends. It also examines the social and economic conditions that shaped Joseph's existence, highlighting the stark contrast between the rich and the poor and the oppressive nature of Victorian society.

One of the key themes in the book is the concept of identity and self-discovery. Through Joseph's journey, Dickens explores the idea of what it means to be a person and the challenges that individuals face in trying to define themselves in a society that often seeks to categorize and control them. Joseph's experiences as a clown, for example, allow him to express himself in a way that is both authentic and powerful, but also often leads to rejection and marginalization from society.

Another theme in the book is the power of imagination and creativity. Dickens uses Joseph's imagination to explore the complexities of human nature and the potential for transformation and growth. Through Joseph's dreams and visions, Dickens shows how the human spirit can transcend the limitations of physical reality and inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

The book also explores the role of religion and spirituality in shaping individuals and communities. Dickens shows how religion can provide solace and support in times of hardship, but also how it can be used to justify social and economic inequalities. Through Joseph's interactions with various religious figures and his own spiritual journey, the book highlights the complexities of faith and the importance of seeking meaning and purpose in life.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of Charles Dickens and his works. Through a comprehensive analysis of Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi, it explores the author's imaginative engagement with its central protagonist and highlights the themes of poverty, social injustice, identity, creativity, religion, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The book provides a fresh perspective on Dickens' writing and offers valuable insights into the social and cultural context of Victorian England.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474463928