Dickens' personal beliefs and values are evident in his ghost stories. He was concerned about moral and social reform. The ghosts in his stories often serve as agents of change, pushing the human characters to become better. His own journey through life, from a poor boy to a famous writer, gave him a unique perspective that he used to create stories that were not only entertaining but also thought - provoking, especially in the context of his ghost stories.
Dickens' own experiences of poverty as a child influenced his short stories. He knew what it was like to struggle, so he could write realistically about the poor in his stories. For instance, his family's financial difficulties made him aware of the hardships faced by the lower classes.
Dickens' own sense of social injustice influenced his ghost stories. He saw the hardships of the poor and the greed of the wealthy. This is reflected in the way the ghosts often represent the unfulfilled desires or the consequences of immoral behavior, as seen in 'A Christmas Carol' where Scrooge's greed is confronted by the ghosts.
Dickens' own experiences of poverty and social inequality influenced his comic novels. He witnessed the hardships of the lower classes, and this was reflected in his works. For example, he might create a comical but also pitiable character who struggles in the face of poverty, like some characters in 'Oliver Twist'.
Dickens' Christmas Ghost Stories had a profound impact on the perception of Christmas. They popularized the idea of Christmas as a time of redemption. The ghosts in the stories were not just spooky elements but agents of change. This made people view Christmas as a time when they could make amends for their past wrongs. Moreover, the detailed descriptions of Christmas feasts and celebrations in his stories helped to shape the modern image of Christmas as a time of celebration, with lots of food, drink, and merriment.
Charles Dickens' ghost stories had a significant influence on English literature. His use of ghosts as a device to explore moral and social issues was quite innovative. For example, in 'A Christmas Carol', the ghosts are not just there for scares but to make Scrooge see the error of his ways in terms of his treatment of others and his greed.
His experience in the theater was important too. He knew how to create a dramatic effect, which is very evident in these ghost stories. The way he sets the stage, so to speak, in his descriptions is similar to how a theater set is arranged. His personal relationships also seeped into his writing. For instance, his views on family and friendship are often reflected in the relationships between the characters in the ghost stories. Dickens' life was full of hardships and joys, and all these elements found their way into his ghostly tales.
Stoker's work was influenced by his Irish heritage. Ireland has a rich folklore full of spooky tales, and some of that seeped into his ghost stories. Also, his job as a theater manager exposed him to a lot of dramatic elements which he incorporated into his writing. For example, creating suspense and tension like in a good theater performance.
Hawthorne's family history influenced his ghost stories. His family had a connection to the Salem witch trials, and this history of Puritan judgment and superstition seeped into his works. For example, the sense of a hidden, dark past that haunts the present is often seen in his stories.
Grant Allen's life experiences likely influenced his ghost stories. His exposure to different cultures or places might have provided inspiration. For example, if he had visited an old, haunted - looking castle, he could use that setting in his stories.
His travels and interactions with different people also had an impact. He met veterans or those who had lost loved ones in war. Their stories and emotions found their way into his writing. Dickens was also aware of the political and social implications of war, and this knowledge was reflected in his stories. For example, he might show how war was sometimes used as a tool by the powerful, and how the common people were often the ones to bear the brunt.