- Born in a poor family
- His father was imprisoned for debt, leading to a traumatic childhood.
- Started working at an early age to support the family.
Limited Education:
- Received minimal formal education due to his family's financial situation.
Health Problems:
- Suffered from various illnesses throughout his life, including a near-fatal bout of tuberculosis.
- Frequent eye infections impaired his vision and caused headaches.
Intense Writing Schedule:
- Produced a vast body of work, often on demanding schedules, leading to physical and mental strain.
Personal Tragedies:
- Lost his mother when he was 12 years old.
- Experienced the death of several children in his lifetime.
- Marital difficulties and separations, leading to emotional distress.
Criticism and Controversies:
- Faced critical backlash and public disputes, including conflicts with peers like William Makepeace Thackeray.
Social Justice Advocacy:
- His involvement in advocating for social reforms and addressing social injustices drew criticism and resistance from some quarters.