Searching For Self-improvement:A Study Of The Evolution In Charles Dickens' Bildungsromans

Charles Dickens(1812?1870)is a British critical realist of 19th century.His works are mostly based on own experiences or the associated events,which describe the people's life,reveal the sharp social contradictions and satirize reality.Bildungsroman originates in German literature during the late 18th and early 19th centuries and reaches the peak in Britain in the 19th century.Charles Dickens' works that Oliver Twist,David Copperfield,Great Expectations,which are representative of Bildungsroman,are published about ten years apart.With the growth of Charles Dickens,his works are becoming more and more mature.Through studying the evolution in Charles Dickens' early,middle and later Bildungsromans,the thesis reveals the dark social and political system in British Victorian,gives implications on the Modern Education and helps the readers understand a more comprehensive and profound literary paradigm.This thesis consists of five chapters.The first chapter introduces Charles Dickens'life experience,works,status of domestic and abroad,and the purpose and meaning of the thesis.The second chapter elucidates the framework of Bildungsroman from origin,definition and characteristic.The third chapter concentrates on the evolution on his early,middle and later-Bildungsromans from thematic level,structural level and characterization.The fourth chapter elaborates that the implications on modern education.For the growth of children,harmonious family atmosphere,correct concept of school education and good social environment make contributes to the health of children.Chapter five makes a conclusion that using a positive attitude to face the darkness and evil of social system,and searching for self-improvement.