1836: I Became a Literary Giant in Great Britain

This work, like many others, focuses on stories of ordinary people from the lower classes, much like the Michelle Obamas.

But both Michael and Dickens keenly realized that this work was different from their previous works.

Compared to his previous works, Michel seems to have revealed a hint of ambition in his writing!

Unlike its previous focus on the suffering and struggles of the poor, this work is colder and sharper, like a razor blade that mercilessly dissects another side of human nature.

This blatant reality of "money worship and alienation of family ties" is truly chilling.

The characters and plots in the novel may seem exaggerated, but upon closer examination, they all stand up to scrutiny.

Although it's just a fictional story, characters like the Philip family are all too common in real life.

Who hasn't encountered people like the "Philips family" in their life?

This story feels so real, it's like it happened right next to me...

"Your past stories are like a portrait of the poor, evoking sympathy and pity."

"But this story is different."

"This is no longer a portrait; it's a sharp blade. You've used it to precisely dissect the soul of a family, laying bare before us what has rotted and deteriorated because of money."

Dickens finally spoke, trying his best to describe the impact this work had on him.

His deep, powerful voice immediately broke the silence in the living room.

These comments stunned both Catherine and Mary.

They were still immersed in the emotional impact of the story, completely unaware that there were so many profound implications hidden behind it.

Michael nodded, indicating his agreement with Dickens's point of view, and then took over the conversation.

"Charles is right. The Philip family is not poor in the traditional sense. They have jobs and plans for the future. They are actually a microcosm of countless middle-class families who are climbing the social ladder."

"Their problem is not hunger, but greed. Michel is not writing a tragedy of poverty, but a tragedy of humanity!"

Yes, yes, you're all right.

Michelle listened quietly on the sofa, a meaningful smile on her face.

Hearing Dickens and Michael's reflections gave him a feeling of being back in high school doing reading comprehension exercises...

For example, suppose Lu Xun said: Good night.

Therefore, the standard answer for reading comprehension must be like this:

"Evening" indicates the time, as it is already dark, symbolizing the darkness of society; "peace" is ironic, seemingly peaceful, but in reality, the people are numb and complacent in the darkness, expressing the author's criticism and concern about reality.

Closer to home.

He truly deserves to be called one of the top literary practitioners of this era.

Dickens and Michael's vision was accurate and astute.

The viewpoint expressed directly addresses the core of the story of "My Uncle John".

"More importantly! Your story reminds me of someone..."

Dickens's expression became unusually vivid; he became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he had discovered a new continent.

"Do you know who this reminds me of? Honoré de Balzac of France! His novel *Eugénie Grandet*, written a few years ago!"

Balzac!

Upon hearing the name, Michael's face turned solemn.

That writer is a great author that the entire European literary world cannot ignore today.

Of course, his greatest achievement, The Human Comedy, although it already had a framework, was not yet fully completed.

Even though his works are rarely translated into English, many people in London's literary circles are familiar with this great writer.

His works are considered to be insightful, detailed, and profoundly socially critical, making him an important representative of contemporary French literature.

Although Britain is currently a powerful nation, France is undoubtedly still the literary center of Europe, according to the hierarchy of literary circles.

Parisian guy is the coolest.

Balzac.....

Upon hearing the name, Michelle felt a slight stirring in her heart.

"Although your story is short, far shorter than that great novel, it doesn't have that grand and sweeping narrative structure."

Dickens continued his analysis, a gleam of genius shining in his eyes.

"But you've used extremely small scenes and plots to depict an incredibly broad and profound theme. This...this is simply effortless mastery!"

"Both are about the corrupting influence of money on humanity... Mr. Balzac used an entire book to depict this, while you only used a few thousand words!"

"No, no, no, Charles, I'm not that good at it..."

At this point, Michelle became a little embarrassed.

While "My Uncle John" is undoubtedly a classic short story, "Eugénie Grandet" is also a masterpiece...

Comparing and belittling is unacceptable...

Even Maupassant himself might not be able to withstand such praise...

But Dickens became more and more agitated as he spoke.

"Furthermore, your story isn't all cold criticism!"

"The existence of that 'me,' the act of secretly handing over a tip, and the subsequent acts of kindness, were like a glimmer of humanity in an incredibly dark reality. It prevented the story from becoming utter despair... but left behind a little... a glimmer of hope."

"That's absolutely brilliant!"

Michael nodded vigorously, completely agreeing with Dickens's view.

As an editor, he has a better understanding of the market and a broader perspective.

This story is so powerful!

It is not as tear-jerking as The Last Leaf, nor does it offer the intellectual pleasure of A Study in Scarlet.

It's like a strong liquor, spicy on the palate but with a lingering aftertaste, capable of sparking deep thought and discussion among readers.

London readers will surely enjoy this story about oysters!

Thinking about this, Michael could no longer sit still.

He stood up abruptly, walked up to Michelle, and looked at her with an almost pleading intensity in his eyes.

"Michelle! Give it to me! To the London Express!"

Michael stared at Michelle, afraid she would refuse.

"As long as you're willing to hand it over to me, any conditions are negotiable!"

P.S.: Only one update today. I wrote some but deleted them because I wasn't satisfied.

Chestnut needs to sort out the subsequent plot and verify some information. She still owes 3 words, and will try to finish them tomorrow.

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