'Jack Maggs'

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the novel 'Jack Maggs' by Peter Carey. Specifically, the writer discusses and interprets three major aspects of the novel: crime in the 19th century, class in London in the early 19th century and women and their roles in this place and time. The writer explains that 'Jack Maggs' is a historical novel in the tradition of Charles Dickens. The writer discusses that many critics compare this novel to Dickens' "Great Expectations", with Maggs taking on the Dickens' character of Magwitch. The writer maintains that the story is as much a tale of London and her history as it is a retelling of Dickens' work and even his own life. The writer concludes that 'Jack Maggs' is a compelling book that leaves the reader with a deeper understanding of the inner workings of London in Victorian times.

From the Paper:

"Victorian England, the period for this richly detailed novel, was a time of great growth and change in society. The Industrial Revolution, with its machinery and mass production was underway, and British cities were filling up with thousands of people looking for work in the factories. Living conditions for the lower classes were deplorable at best. The London setting of this novel makes that quite clear. It shows London as vibrant and alive, but also dirty, smelly, and incredibly crowded. It was also a city filled with crime, poverty, and desperation.
It is not surprising that author Tobias Oates is obsessed with crime and criminology. He lived in a city where crime was rampant."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Carey, Peter. Jack Maggs. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998.Editors. "Victoria." Royal.gov.uk. 2005. 10 Dec. 2005.< http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page118.asp >
• Hassall, Anthony J. "A Tale of Two Countries: 'Jack Maggs' and Peter Carey's Fiction." Australian Literary Studies 18.2 (1997): 128+.
• Mitchell, Sally. Daily Life in Victorian England. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1996.

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