I have a research project and i have a specific topic, but i'm not sure of what to search for. Any suggestions?
Research 19th century London. Dickens paints a rather dreary picture of London in the early 1800s. Is his depiction accurate or biased? What kind of city was London circa 1810-1840? What were the advantages and disadvantages to living in such a place if you were wealthy? If you were poor?
Google is wonderful. Check these sites.
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS342&q=19th+century+London&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
To begin your research on 19th century London and explore the accuracy or bias in Charles Dickens' depiction, follow these steps:
1. Start with a general search on "19th century London" or "London in the early 1800s." This will provide you with a broad understanding of the historical context, major events, and cultural aspects of the time period.
2. Look for primary sources from that era. Primary sources include letters, diaries, newspapers, and other firsthand accounts. These will offer valuable insights into the daily life, living conditions, and social issues prevalent during the 19th century in London.
3. Check out Charles Dickens' works, particularly his novels set in London, such as "Oliver Twist," "A Tale of Two Cities," and "David Copperfield." Read excerpts or entire chapters that describe the city and its social dynamics. Pay attention to the specific aspects highlighted by Dickens, such as poverty, crime, or industrialization.
4. Analyze multiple sources and perspectives. Compare Dickens' portrayal with other historical accounts, contemporary literature, and academic analyses to gauge the accuracy or potential bias in his depiction. Look for corroborating evidence or contrasting viewpoints that shed light on different aspects of London during the specified time period.
5. When examining advantages and disadvantages for different socio-economic backgrounds, search for information on the lifestyles, housing, job opportunities, public services, and social class dynamics. Look into the experiences of both the wealthy and the poor, considering factors such as education, healthcare, leisure activities, and social mobility.
6. Utilize academic databases, online libraries, and reputable historical sources to find scholarly articles, books, or thesis papers that delve deeper into the social, cultural, and economic aspects of 19th century London.
Remember to take notes, cite your sources accurately, and critically evaluate the information you find. By following these steps, you will gather a comprehensive understanding of 19th century London, evaluate Dickens' depiction, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city for different social groups.