Dickens and the Bible

At a time when biblical authority was under challenge from the Higher Criticism and evolutionary science, 'what providence meant' was the most keenly-contested of questions. This book takes up the controversial subject of Dickens and religion. In a close study of major novels, it argues that networks of biblical allusion reveal the Judeo-Christian grand narrative as key to his development as a writer, and as the ontological ground on which he stands to appeal to 'the conscience of a Christian people'. Engaging the biblical narrative in dialogue with other contemporary narratives that concern themselves with origins, destinations, and hermeneutic decipherments, Dickens affirms the Bible's still-active role in popular culture. This book draws on the providential thinking of two twentieth century theorists, Bakhtin and Ricoeur, in tracing the development of Dickens's narrative theology. It makes a new and challenging contribution to the interdisciplinary area of literature and religion.