Charles Dickens | Lecturia

Charles Dickens: The Poor Relation’s Story

“The Poor Relation’s Story” is a short story by Charles Dickens, published on December 25, 1852, in the magazine Household Words. During a family gathering, Michael—a humble, discreet man—is compelled to begin the round of Christmas tales. In a reflective tone, he opens his narration by setting out the image his family has of him: a failed relative, solitary and penniless, condemned to a drab and routine existence, whose chief enemy is himself. Yet he maintains that behind this appearance, accepted by all, there lies a story very different from the one others believe they know.

Charles Dickens: Captain Murderer

Captain Murderer is a disturbing story by Charles Dickens, published on September 8, 1860, in All The Year Round. The story revolves around a dark and enigmatic character, Captain Murderer, who, hidden behind his wealth and charm, seduces young women to make them part of a macabre culinary ritual. With a gloomy atmosphere and disturbing details, Dickens reinvents the essence of the classic story of Bluebeard, immortalized by Charles Perrault, adding his touch of horror and black humor.

Charles Dickens: The Signal-Man

Synopsis: “The Signal-Man” is a short story by Charles Dickens, published in 1866 in All the Year Round magazine. It tells the story of a man who meets a lonely signalman working in a gloomy railway post. Through a disturbing conversation, the visitor discovers that the signalman is haunted by strange apparitions next to a … Read more

Charles Dickens: The Convict’s Return

“The Convict’s Return” is a short story by Charles Dickens published in 1837 in The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. It tells the harsh story of a family in England. The father, Edmunds, is a man despised by the community because of his violent nature and dissolute life. His wife, despite constant abuse, remains devoted to her son, whom she cares for with love and dedication. The boy, growing up in an abusive environment, becomes a rebellious young man, a true reflection of his father. As the years pass, the boy strays from the straight and narrow and falls into disgrace, while his mother, steadfast in her love, tries to support him with faith and sacrifice.

Charles Dickens: The Black Veil

Synopsis: The Black Veil is a short story by Charles Dickens, published in February 1836 as part of the volume Sketches by Boz. The story begins on a winter’s night when a young doctor, recently installed in his practice, receives an unexpected visit from a mysterious woman, tall and dressed in mourning, her face covered by a thick black veil. Disturbed and distressed, she asks for urgent help, not for herself, but for someone else. Her disconcerting request leads the doctor to become involved in a disturbing situation marked by pain, fear, and a dark secret.