Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2017
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
English Literature
Committee Chair
Liahna Armstrong
Second Committee Member
George Drake
Third Committee Member
Lila Harper
Abstract
The collected works of Charles Dickens have garnered countless critiques, not the least of which involve their social and political meaning, but what about the films based on these works? There are few nineteenth century authors who have been adapted to film more than Dickens. However, these cinematic works are often left under-analyzed; there is much to be said about Dickensian adaptations. Adaptations can be critically compared with the original, possibly showing changing societal values. So, by focusing on Dickens and his adaptations, we can expose societal values which have changed. Specifically, I will focus on the increased societal acceptance of an economic ruling class; Dickens critiqued the economic ruling class in a manner which later adaptations of his work were unwilling to portray.
Recommended Citation
Staatz, Elliot, "Charles Dickens in Cinema and the Loss of His Message" (2017). All Master's Theses. 604.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/604
Language
English