Re: Dickens

Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Tue, 28 Apr 1998 15:17:23 -0100

My dear Mr Wisdom,

  A writer whose books are inspired by his own personality, I am tempted to
think, is unlikely to be among the most readable.  I am far from sure,
moreover, that I can characterise my own personality.  Not infrequently I
look into the glass, and wonder who or what it is I see.
  I can tell you, however, that the self-sacrificing impulse of Sydney
Carton seized my imagination.  The book was partly inspired by my experience
acting in a play called "The Frozen Deep."  The character I played, Richard
Wardour, sacrifices himself to rescue from arctic peril the man loved by the
young woman whom he, Wardour, loves.  I resolved to attempt a similar story.
At the time I cared deeply for a young woman whom I felt could serve only by
denying my love. You will understand, then, how much such a story meant to me.

Faithfully yours,


Charles Dickens

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>Recently I read A Tale of Two Cities.  When I had completed the book a few
questions still lingered.  What I would really like to know the most is what
character in A Tale of Two Cities was inspired most by your own personality?
>Thanks,
>             Chris Wisdom
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======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author