1. Poverty and Inequality: Dickens was acutely aware of the vast gap between the wealthy and the poor in Victorian England. He saw firsthand the misery of the working class, particularly in London's slums, and he frequently portrayed their struggles in his novels. Works like "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities" highlighted the grim realities of poverty, exploitation, and the lack of opportunity for the less fortunate.
2. Child Labor: Dickens was a staunch advocate for children's rights, and the exploitation of child labor was a major concern. He witnessed the harsh conditions in factories and mines where children were often forced to work long hours in dangerous environments. "Oliver Twist" again is a powerful example, as is his later novel "Hard Times."
3. Education and Lack of Opportunity: Dickens believed that education was crucial for social progress and individual advancement. However, access to education was limited for the poor, and many children had little formal schooling. He criticized the failings of the existing education system, often highlighting the lack of opportunities for those from lower classes.
4. Social Justice and Criminal Justice: Dickens was deeply troubled by the harshness and injustice of the Victorian criminal justice system. He believed that the system was often biased against the poor and that punishment was often disproportionate to the crime. He saw the system itself as a contributor to crime. Works like "Great Expectations" and "A Tale of Two Cities" touch on these themes.
5. The Impact of Industrialization: While Dickens recognized the potential benefits of industrialization, he also saw its dark side. He was concerned about the rapid growth of cities, the exploitation of workers, and the environmental degradation that accompanied industrial progress. These themes are evident in his depiction of Coketown in "Hard Times" and other works.
These are just some of the social problems that deeply affected Dickens and influenced his writing. He used his powerful voice to expose these injustices and advocate for change, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for social justice.