To close the eyes, and give a seemly comfort to the apparel of the dead, is poverty's holiest touch of nature

To close the eyes, and give a seemly comfort to the apparel of the dead, is poverty's holiest touch of nature

In the world of Charles Dickens, death was a prevalent theme that often highlighted the harsh realities of poverty and the struggles faced by the lower classes. Dickens was known for his vivid descriptions of the impoverished and downtrodden, and his works often shed light on the injustices and hardships faced by those living in poverty.

The quote, “To close the eyes, and give a seemly comfort to the apparel of the dead, is poverty's holiest touch of nature,” speaks to the idea that even in death, the poor are often left without the means to properly care for their loved ones. In Dickens’ novels, we see characters who are unable to afford proper burials or even basic necessities for their deceased family members. This lack of resources and support for the dead reflects the broader issues of poverty and inequality that Dickens sought to address in his writing.

One of the most famous examples of this theme can be found in Dickens’ novel, “Oliver Twist.” In the novel, we see the character of Nancy, a young woman who is forced into a life of crime and poverty. Despite her difficult circumstances, Nancy shows compassion and kindness towards others, even in death. When Nancy is murdered, her body is left unattended and uncared for, a stark reminder of the lack of dignity and respect afforded to the poor in Victorian society.