Serious character: mind under stress
Abstract
Dickens’ roots in melodrama did not leave him with a superficial taste for violent action; he rapidly developed and slowly matured a serious psychological interest in the action of the mind under unbearable stress. His murderers were not mere ruffians; even Sikes became interesting for his mental torment. Suicide and mental collapse are also common features of Dickens’ writing: this is the Dickens who interested Dostoevsky.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Leadership
Courage
and Heroism Studies
Media Influence and Health
Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Publication details
- Pages
- 67–71
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter