Fractured Dickens' Titles Trivia Quiz

Answer: Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist was the unfortunate orphan who was prompted to ask for "more". His story of abject misery and a probable life of petty crime turning eventually into a happier existence has touched hearts ever since it was first published in 1838.

Answer: A Tale of Two Cities

"A Tale of Two Cities" is set in the time of the French Revolution and features one of the most famous (and most parodied) of Dickens' quotes; "It is a far, far better thing that I do...".

Answer: Great Expectations

"Great Expectations" tells the tale of the orphan Pip; his childhood and life as a young man. When a mysterious benefactor gives Pip an allowance for his education, Pip believes he knows who is funding him but as so often in Dickens things are not what they seem.

Answer: A Christmas Carol

Another of Dickens' tales which has stood the test of time. The miser Ebeneezer Scrooge is taught the error of his ways thanks to the visitations of various spirits including the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

Answer: The Old Curiosity Shop

"The Old Curiosity Shop" was first published in serial form in the publication "Master Humphrey's Clock" before being published as a complete novel in 1841.
The story is concerned with Little Nell and her beloved grandfather who live in the shop which forms the title of the book.

Answer: David Copperfield

"David Copperfield" was probably the work that Dickens was most proud of; he often referred to it as "his favourite child".
The unctious Uriah Heap, one of the most odious of all Dickens' villains was wont to say how he was "very 'umble".

Answer: Nicholas Nickleby

"Nicholas Nickleby" is my personal favourite of Dickens' novels. It tells the tale of Nicholas and his various struggles in life. The appalling Wackford Squeers who 'runs' the Dotheboys Hall School gets his just desserts at the hands of Nicholas.

Answer: Martin Chuzzlewit

Dickens' portrayal of America as a lawless wilderness of a country full of shysters and tricksters didn't go down too well on the western side of the Atlantic. I guess the truth often hurts! (Only joking friends).

Answer: Our Mutual Friend

"Our Mutual Friend" was the last completed Dickens novel to be published (1865). The rather complicated plot revolves around the mis-identification of a body found in the River Thames and the consequences this has for the main character's inheritance.

Answer: The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Dickens' final work was unfortunately incomplete at the time of his death. Several people have tried to put an end to this work and, while the endings may be plausible, few come close to Dickens' mastery of language.