Arthur Morrison 
A Child of the Jago 
A Gritty Tale of Poverty and Despair in Victorian London’s Slums

Arthur Morrison’s ‘A Child of the Jago’ is a gritty portrayal of poverty and despair in the East End of London. Written in a stark and realistic style, the novel depicts the harsh living conditions of the slum dwellers in the notorious Jago area. Morrison’s use of dialect and vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the squalor and violence of the setting, making it a powerful social commentary of the time. The novel’s stark portrayal of life in the slums highlights the disparities between the rich and poor in Victorian England. By focusing on the struggles of the protagonist, Dicky Perrott, Morrison sheds light on the societal issues faced by the underprivileged in a rapidly industrializing world. Arthur Morrison’s background as a journalist and social reformer influenced his decision to write ‘A Child of the Jago’. His firsthand experiences with poverty and urban decay inspired him to expose the harsh realities of life for the lower classes. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by the marginalized in society and the urgent need for social reform. Readers interested in Victorian literature, social issues, and urban poverty will find ‘A Child of the Jago’ to be a thought-provoking and eye-opening read.