>
We are proud to mark the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’s birth (Portsmouth, February 7, 1812) with a selection of activities which explore the life and works of a true great of English literature.
The books of Charles Dickens have sold in the millions, and have also been adapted into countless theatre and cinematic productions.
So come and learn more about Dickens and enjoy his work.

Did you Know?
Charles Dickens had a pet raven named Grip. When the bird died in 1841 he had it stuffed and it is now in the Free Library of Philadelphia.

As a young man Charles Dickens worked for nearly four years as a newspaper reporter working on court cases and legal proceedings. This experience found its way into many of his books.

Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine had ten children. Many of them were named after famous writers.

Many of Charles Dickens’ books were printed in magazines in serial form before being published in book format. Unlike other authors who finished their stories before the magazines printed them, Dickens often wrote each episode as they were being serialized. This meant that his stories had a rhythm which kept the reader looking forward to the next episode, just like a modern day TV series.

One of Charles Dickens’ daughters was named Dora after the character in his book David Copperfield. The real Dora died tragically of an illness just like the Dora in the book.

–SCENE FORM “HARD TIMES”
–SCENE FROM “NICHOLAS NICKLEBY”

The more you discover about an author, the more you will enjoy their novels.
Answer these questions and see how much you know about Dickens!

1-What was his birthdate?
2-What was his birthplace?
3-What was his father’s name?
4-What was Charles Dickens’ first job?
5-How old was he when he started working?
6-How long did he work in the factory?
7-Where did he return to study after working in the factory?
8-What was ‘Boz’?
9-Whom did he marry?
10-How many children did Dickens and Catherine have?
11-What was Catherine’s Hogarth younger sister’s name?
12-Mary served as inspiration for what?
13-What was special about the novel Pickwick Papers?
14-What novel was published in 1837-38?
15-What were the Nicholas Nickleby sales figures?
16-What is the meaning of MHC?
17-In which other country was Dickens very popular?
18-Which famous novel did he write in 1843?
19-Which novel is considered to be largely autobiographical?
20-Where is Dickens buried?