ABSTRACT
Over a span of thirty years, from Sketches by Boz to Our Mutual Friend, Dickens denounced English poor relief policy and practice as a violation of the religious injunction –exemplified in the parable of the Good Samaritan –to deal with the needy in a kind, considerate, and helpful way. His first book begins with a section entitled "Our Parish." Dickens recognized and accepted what Scott called the "absolute necessity" of tax-supported poor relief. Like Wordsworth, he condemned the policies that caused suffering within and outside the workhouse. "With an enormous treasure at disposal to relieve the poor" we have devised ways to administer it so that people –Betty Higden is just one example –die of neglect and exposure rather than accept our bounty. Dickens's targets were "telescopic philanthropy" and "rapacious benevolence." These failings can be found in men as well as women.
