Here's why:
* Focus on Social Commentary: Dickens was deeply concerned with the social injustices and inequalities of his time. His novels often centered on the plight of the poor and downtrodden, aiming to expose these issues and spark social change.
* Realistic Setting and Characters: Dickens' stories were grounded in the real world. He portrayed the bustling streets of London, the lives of ordinary people, and the complexities of human relationships with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
* Humor and Satire: While his works explored dark themes, Dickens often injected humor and satire into his narratives. He used wit and exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of societal norms and the hypocrisy of the upper classes.
While Dickens drew upon elements of the Gothic, such as:
* Atmosphere of Mystery and Suspense: His novels often featured dark and atmospheric settings, unsettling characters, and suspenseful plot twists.
* Supernatural Elements: Some of his works, like "A Christmas Carol," involved supernatural beings and ghostly apparitions.
* Exploration of the Dark Side of Human Nature: He delved into the depths of human emotions like greed, jealousy, and despair, which are themes commonly explored in Gothic literature.
He primarily used these elements to enhance his realistic storytelling and social commentary rather than to create a purely Gothic style.
Therefore, while Charles Dickens incorporated elements of the Gothic, his writing style is fundamentally considered Victorian realism. He used the darkness and suspense of the Gothic genre to illuminate the social issues of his time and create engaging and powerful narratives.