Charles Dickens is commonly known for the following utilization of literary devices in most of his novels and poems: imagery, dramatic adaptations, repetition of motifs, and allegorical settings.  The presence of these figurative devices is commonly witnessed in Dickens following novels: Little Dorrit, Until this Last, A Christmas Carol and a Tale of Two Cities. 

Imagery and Symbolism:

Visual imagery and repetitive symbolism is constantly significant in most of Dickens novels.  Dickens novel Little Dorrit, is a perfect example of the repetition of imagery and symbolism. The symbolism that is constantly present in this novel is the presence of a shadow, which metaphorically characterizes a secret hidden history in the novel titled Phantastes.  Dickens also symbolically utilizes the “shadow” as a memory that is hidden in the past of an unpleasant individual and past.  This constant repetition of the shadow constantly haunts this particular individual.  Dickens writes, “the shadow of the Marshalsea wall was a real darkening influence, and could be seen on the Dorrit Family at any stage of the sun's course” the shadow can represent an unpleasant and memorable event that occurred in the Dorrit’s family’s past.  The novel tilted Little Dorrit, also represents Dickens utilization of the power of love, where he express the loving relationship of a couple who do not have the same social power.  The wealthy man admirably loves the woman unconditionally and is uniquely devoted to her.  Through this characterization, Dickens can represent the power that Dickens can utilize on men.

            Charles Dickens also utilizes the figurative language of visual and auditory imagery in his novel titled A Tale of Two Cities.  In this specific novel, Dickens utilizes visual imagery to make a sharp contrast between Paris and London.  Dickens also uses a strong tone to represent his viewpoint of Paris. Overall, Dickens manages to create a novel that is primarily centered on the French Revolution by mostly using descriptive visual imagery. 

Allegorical Setting:

            The figurative devices such as allegorical setting are utilized in Dickens novel, Little Dorrit.  This specific literary style represents the moods and feelings of the protagonists in the novel.  The setting in this specific novel allows the reader to fully comprehend Arthur Clennam’s realistic character.  This specific style of writing by writing about realistic events creates an overemotional setting that is realistic and apparent throughout the novels entirety.   The specific type of allegorical setting that is utilized in Little Dorrit, is the presence of the prison.  The utilization of the prison setting allows the characters to be embodied within their own prison.  In addition to the prison setting, the homes are also a realistic setting that is commonly used in the novel.  The homes are usually crammed with empty air that metaphorically represents the emptiness of the individuals living in them.

Dramatic adaptations: