fell in love with Maria Bendnell, but herparents found him socially inferior (Hardy 41). Not long after, in 1836, he fell in love withand married Catherine Hogarth. They had ten children together. In 1858 Dickens fell inlove with Ellen Terron, an actress. This was soon after Dickens and his wife Catherineseparated, ending a long stream of marital difficulties. In1842, Dickens traveled to theUnited States hoping to find an embodiment of his liberal political ideals. However, hereturned to England deeply disappointed. He was dismayed by America's lack of supportfor an international copyright law, acceptance of the inhumane practice of slavery, and thebasic vulgarity of the American people ("Charles Dickens"). Dickens becamedistinguished by furious energy, determination to succeed, and an inflexible will (Kaste 9). It is likely that Dickens' introduction to the consequences of poverty was a contributingfactor in shaping his life and literature. Dickens' early short stories and sketches, whichwere published in various London newspapers and magazines, were later collected to formhis first book, Sketches by Boz in 1836. Dickens' "early period" includes his work OliverTwist in 1838. By 1837, Dickens was the most popular author in England. His fame soonspread throughout the rest of the English-speaking world and eventually throughout thecontinent. It still has not diminished ("Charles Dickens"). For many readers, Dickens isnot only a great novelist but also a history book. Although he is a great entertainer andcomic genius, we have come to know him as a famous example of the wounded artist,whose sicknesses were shed in great art, whose very grudges against family and societylinked him throughout personal pains with larger public sufferings. Charles Dickens' longand illustrious life came to an end on June 18, 1870 at Gad's Hill, Kent due to a paralyticstroke. He is buried in the Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey (Blount; ""Charl...
