Appearance
Excerpt
Excerpt from Sunday Under Three Heads, by Charles Dickens
June, 1836.
I
AS IT IS
THERE are few things from which I derive greater pleasure, than walking
through some of the principal streets of London on a fine Sunday, in
summer, and watching the cheerful faces of the lively groups with which
they are thronged. There is something, to my eyes at least, exceedingly
pleasing in the general desire evinced by the humbler classes of society,
to appear neat and clean on this their only holiday. There are many
grave old persons, I know, who shake their heads with an air of profound
wisdom, and tell you that poor people dress too well now-a-days; that
when they were children, folks knew their stations in life better; that
you may depend upon it, no good will come of this sort of thing in the
end,—and so forth: but I fancy I can discern in the fine bonnet of the
working-man’s wife, or the feather-bedizened hat of his child, no
inconsiderable evidence of good feeling on the part of the man himself,
and an affectionate desire to expend the few shillings he can spare from
his week’s wages, in improving the appearance and adding to the happiness
of those who are nearest and dearest to him. This may be a very heinous
and unbecoming degree of vanity, perhaps, and the money might possibly be
applied to better uses; it must not be forgotten, however, that it might
very easily be devoted to worse: and if two or three faces can be
rendered happy and contented, by a trifling improvement of outward
appearance, I cannot help thinking that the object is very cheaply
purchased, even at the expense of a smart gown, or a gaudy riband. There
is a great deal of very unnecessary cant about the over-dressing of the
common people. There is not a manufacturer or tradesman in existence,
who would not employ a man who takes a reasonable degree of pride in the
appearance of himself and those about him, in preference to a sullen,
slovenly fellow, who works doggedly on, regardless of his own clothing
and that of his wife and children, and seeming to take pleasure or pride
in nothing.
Explanation
Detailed Explanation of the Excerpt from Sunday Under Three Heads by Charles Dickens
Context of the Work
Sunday Under Three Heads (1836) is an early essay by Charles Dickens, written under the pseudonym "Timothy Sparks" for Bell’s Life in London, a popular weekly magazine. The piece is divided into three sections—"As It Is," "As Sabbath Bells Make It," and "As It Might Be Made"—each offering a different perspective on how Sundays are observed in London. The excerpt provided is from the first section, "As It Is," which depicts the lively, joyful atmosphere of a summer Sunday in the city, particularly among the working class.
Dickens was deeply interested in social issues, and this essay reflects his observations on class, leisure, and morality in Victorian England. At the time, Sundays were the only day of rest for the laboring poor, and debates raged over how they should spend it—whether in pious reflection (as many religious reformers argued) or in simple recreation (as Dickens seems to advocate here).
Themes in the Excerpt
Class and Social Mobility
- Dickens challenges the rigid class distinctions of his time by celebrating the working class’s desire to appear "neat and clean" on their one day of rest.
- He critiques the elderly moralists ("grave old persons") who disapprove of the poor dressing well, suggesting that such attitudes stem from a desire to keep the lower classes in their "proper station."
- The passage implies that pride in appearance is not just vanity but a sign of dignity and self-respect, qualities that could lead to social betterment.
Joy and Human Dignity in Poverty
- Dickens emphasizes that the working class, despite their hardships, find happiness in small pleasures—a new bonnet, a decorated hat, a smart gown.
- He argues that these minor indulgences are not frivolous but necessary for mental well-being, countering the idea that the poor should live in perpetual austerity.
- The phrase "two or three faces can be rendered happy and contented" suggests that even small joys have value in a life of toil.
Critique of Hypocritical Morality
- Dickens mocks the "unnecessary cant" (hypocritical moralizing) about the poor "dressing too well."
- He points out that employers prefer workers who take pride in their appearance, undermining the argument that the poor should remain visibly downtrodden.
- The contrast between the "sullen, slovenly fellow" and the man who dresses his family well implies that self-respect is economically and socially beneficial.
The Value of Leisure and Family
- Sundays, for the working class, are a rare opportunity for family bonding and personal expression.
- The father spending his hard-earned shillings on his wife and children’s appearance is framed as an "affectionate desire"—a noble, even moral, act.
- Dickens suggests that denying the poor such small pleasures would be cruel and counterproductive.
Literary Devices & Stylistic Choices
Contrast & Juxtaposition
- Old vs. New Generations: The "grave old persons" (representing tradition and rigidity) are contrasted with Dickens’ own progressive, empathetic view.
- Slovenly Worker vs. Proud Worker: The "sullen, slovenly fellow" is juxtaposed with the man who takes pride in his family’s appearance, reinforcing the idea that dignity matters.
Irony & Satire
- The phrase "no good will come of this sort of thing in the end" is mockingly attributed to the moralists, implying their fears are baseless.
- The idea that manufacturers prefer well-dressed workers undercuts the argument that the poor should dress poorly—exposing the hypocrisy of the upper class.
Rhetorical Questions & Persuasive Language
- "Is this a very heinous and unbecoming degree of vanity?" → Dickens challenges the reader to reconsider conventional wisdom.
- "I cannot help thinking that the object is very cheaply purchased" → He frames happiness as a bargain, making his argument more compelling.
Imagery & Sensory Detail
- "Cheerful faces of the lively groups" → Creates a vibrant, joyful atmosphere.
- "Feather-bedizened hat of his child" → The word "bedizened" (ornamented gaudily) is playful, suggesting innocent, childlike delight rather than true vanity.
Appeal to Pathos (Emotional Argument)
- Dickens humanizes the working class by focusing on their desire for happiness and love for their families.
- The image of a father spending his limited wages on his children’s joy is deeply moving, making the reader sympathize with his perspective.
Significance of the Passage
Dickens’ Social Commentary
- This excerpt reflects Dickens’ lifelong concern for the poor, a theme that would dominate his novels (Oliver Twist, Hard Times, Bleak House).
- He challenges Victorian moralism, arguing that human dignity should not be reserved for the wealthy.
Defense of Working-Class Leisure
- At a time when Sabbath observance was strictly policed, Dickens advocates for the poor’s right to joy.
- His argument that small pleasures prevent greater vices (e.g., drunkenness, despair) was radical for its time.
Early Example of Dickens’ Style
- The passage showcases his wit, empathy, and knack for vivid description—traits that would make him one of the greatest novelists of the 19th century.
- His use of humor and irony to critique social norms is already evident here.
Relevance Today
- The debate over how the poor "should" spend their money persists (e.g., criticisms of welfare recipients buying "luxuries").
- Dickens’ argument—that dignity and small joys are essential—remains a powerful counter to puritanical judgments on poverty.
Conclusion: Dickens’ Perspective in the Text
Dickens does not merely describe a Sunday scene—he defends it. His essay is a celebration of working-class resilience and a rejection of elitist moralizing. By focusing on the bonnets, ribbons, and happy faces, he argues that humanity is not measured by wealth but by the capacity for joy and love. The passage is both a social critique and a heartfelt plea for compassion—a hallmark of Dickens’ enduring legacy.
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