Being a blogger myself, I really took to this form of assessment and found it to be one of my most enjoyable assignments I have undertaken. The thing I love about blogging is the freedom of expression which can be achieved in so many different ways i.e. writing style, blog format, blog stylisation and the topics discussed on the blog itself. I used to find … Continue reading Evaluation Post

“Anti-Semitism in literature began as early as the reigns of the first Ptolemies” In a previous post of mine I discussed the representation of Dickens’ character; Fagin as the Devil. The anti-Semitic theme throughout Oliver Twist was entirely shocking to read, since Dickens states that his intention was to portray Jews and Fagin in a positive light. However, through further investigation; Dickens’ use of Judaism … Continue reading Anti-Semitism Throughout Literary / Societal History. Has Society Progressed Towards Equality?

Upon looking further into the illustration created by George Cruickshank, it is evident that the image was not solely created to portray what the environment of the young boys looked like, it also creates vast symbolism that has a somewhat racial / religious slant (which I will explore further). Cruickshank’s depiction of the workhouse in this specific scene within the novel is illustrated well and … Continue reading Oliver Twist.. Religion As A Symbol Of Something More?

  The Select Committee on Criminal and Destitute Juveniles; together with the proceedings of the committee provides details of juvenile boys during the mid 19th Century. In these interviews, it was shocking to see the emotive discussion from these young children and the remorse they showed for such petty crimes. To describe these boys as destitute provides the basis that they are “without means of subsistence; … Continue reading Destitute Juveniles… The Desperation Of A Generation.

In the case I studied of Mr Templeman, I found it interesting as to how many loopholes there were in the case and to how disjointed this trial seems. I wanted to explore Mr Gould further and to see where his arrest took him and discuss his trial. Once the police had whittled down their suspects and removed Mr Jarvis as a suspect, the trial … Continue reading The Trial Of Richard Gould.. Tried For Murder But Arrested For Burglary.. But What Happened Next?

“Smoothing and engraving a coin with a message of affection was one of the few ways a convict could leave a memento behind with loved ones in England before being transported.” But were these tokens always concerned with love and affection? In some instances, tokens were created as a means to promote political movement or events. A token I came across depicts a crude message … Continue reading Convict Tokens. A simple love device? Or something more political?

Broadsides during the 18th and 19th Century were a unique method of informing the public of a crime or execution in the local area. Broadsides were printed on a single sheet of paper, on one side only and were sold for around a penny. The way broadsides conveyed crime and punishment during this tense period of Britain (post revolution) unlocked many answers to what really occurred at public executions, … Continue reading “The Most Inhuman Murder”. The Trial Of Richard Gould.

The Fortunes and Misfortunes of The Famous Moll Flanders illustration incorporates intricate symbolism and metaphorical representation throughout. The feature of (who we assume to be) Moll being at the centre of the page is indicative of the novel’s focus solely upon the story of Moll Flanders. She is our rogue protagonist that we may see some versions of ourselves within. Hence, the use of the mirror image. Defoe … Continue reading The Fortunes and Misfortunes of The Famous Moll Flanders