Imagery and Theme in the Novels of Dickens is a study of nine Dickens novels which charts Dickens’ growing awareness and artistry in his use of image, and the increasingly important place it has in the overall structure of the novels.

Dr Barnard believes that work done in this field nevertheless leaves room for a study which constantly keeps in mind the total work, and connects the imagery with the themes enunciated through the plot and characters in the novel. His study will be of interest to all those fascinated by the making of great works of fiction, as well as to all Dickensians, both academic and non-academic.