Mangalore, Dec 14, 2012: Charles Dickens was a major representative and critic of his times and used his writings to highlight the untold human sufferings, said Dr Rajendra Chenni, Professor of English at Kuvempu University.
He was delivering the key note address at the inaugural of the two-day national seminar on ‘Charles Dickens and Victorian England: What the Dickens?’ organised by the Department of English, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore, at Eric Mathais Hall of the College on December 14, Friday. Dr Chenni further said writers of the Victorian times were greatly aware of the sufferings of the society.
He said if Charles Dickens writings shaped the readers, the writings were shaped by the society of his times.
Fr Swebert D’Silva, Principal of St Aloysius College, who presided over the function, said the society recognized the writings of Charles Dickens only in the 20th century.
Prof. Ratan Tilak Mohunta, Head of the Department of English, Prof. Alwyn D’Sa, Organising Secretary, Dr Ronald Pinto, Vice Principal, Prof. Judith Pinto and others were present.