Creative Pursuits:
* Writing: This is obviously his most prominent hobby, but it extended beyond just novels. He also wrote short stories, essays, plays, and even a Christmas carol.
* Acting: Dickens was a passionate amateur actor and often performed in his own plays.
* Drawing and Illustration: While not a professional artist, Dickens enjoyed sketching and illustrating his own stories.
* Music: He was a skilled pianist and enjoyed attending concerts.
Physical Activities:
* Cricket: Dickens was a devoted fan of the game and even played himself.
* Walking: He was known to take long walks for both exercise and inspiration.
* Traveling: He was a prolific traveler and often used his journeys to research his novels.
Social and Intellectual Hobbies:
* Public Readings: Dickens became famous for his dramatic public readings of his novels, which were incredibly popular.
* Collecting: He was an avid collector of many things, including books, art, and even postage stamps.
* Political Activism: Dickens was a strong advocate for social justice and used his writing and public platform to promote political change.
It's important to note that Dickens's hobbies were not just recreational activities. They often fueled his creative process and gave him inspiration for his writing. His keen observation of the world around him, his love of language, and his passion for social issues all stemmed from these varied interests.