The Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of Home by Charles Dickens

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About this eBook

Author Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870
Title The Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of Home
Note Project Gutenberg has several editions of this eBook:
#20795 (Some B & W illustrations)
#37581 (Many fine B & W illustrations)
#678 (Not illustrated)
Credits Transcribed from the Charles Scribner’s Sons “Works of Charles Dickens” edition by David Price
Summary "The Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of Home" by Charles Dickens is a novella written in the mid-19th century. The story explores themes of domesticity and human connections through the lives of its characters, particularly focusing on the Peerybingle family. The narrative begins with whimsical interactions between a kettle and a cricket, which symbolize warmth and comfort at home, setting the stage for the unfolding domestic drama. At the start of the novella, we are introduced to Mrs. Peerybingle, who fills a kettle as she prepares for her husband John's return. The kettle and a chirping cricket become central figures, representing the cheer and coziness of home life. John, the carrier of the household, arrives with a humorous and heartwarming demeanor, showcasing the tender relationship he shares with Dot, his young wife. The story hints at deeper emotional currents, particularly regarding Dot’s feelings about their marriage and the lurking presence of Gruff and Tackleton, a toymaker with ulterior motives related to marriage. This blend of light-hearted domesticity with underlying tension invites readers to engage with the characters and their intertwined lives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
Subject Christmas stories, English
Subject Holidays -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 678
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Aug 8, 2019
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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