Charles Dickens 
George Silverman’s Explanation 

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was an English novelist and social critic who created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters, and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read today.


George Silverman’s Explanation, first published in 1851, is one of Charles Dickens’ most interesting short stories. It was reprinted in 1900 edition as part of T
he Holly-Tree Inn and Other Reprinted Pieces, which was published as the second volume of
A Child’s History of England and Miscellaneous Pieces.

In
George Silverman’s Explanation, a story narrated in the first person by a man called George Silverman, Charles Dickens addresses the themes of poverty, change, class, selflessness, love, sacrifice, control and acceptance. Today we propose it again to our readers.