The exterior of Westminster Abbey, the final resting site of Dickens.
Already one week into the trip and there is so much to talk about. I had finally arrived in London and what a city this is. The Underground is so convenient and easy to use. The sights and smells were quite different compared to the United States, however, I was very excited to see what this week had in store for me. Bookpacking was something that I had never heard of before this class, so I was excited to try it. What is bookpacking you might ask? Bookpacking is exploring the cities from the lens of the novels. We will be walking through the streets where the author and the characters walked and we’ll smell the scents they smelled. Bookpacking is really about immersing yourself in the world of the novel to gain a better understanding of it.
During our first day in London, we delved into the essence of upper-class society, immersing ourselves in the world of Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities." We strolled through the opulent streets, passing by the exclusive clubs where influential men brokered deals. The iconic Saville Row presented itself with its array of skilled tailors, catering to the elite's impeccable tastes. As we approached Buckingham Palace, the grandeur of the royal residence left us in awe, symbolizing the epitome of power. However, it was inside Westminster Abbey where the lines between fiction and reality blurred. Witnessing Charles Dickens' final resting place, amidst the company of history's most eminent figures, was surreal and humbling. Standing in the same sacred space as the characters from the novel, we felt truly transported to the heart of Dickensian London, where power, intellect, and literary brilliance converged.
The following day deepened our immersion in the very fabric of "A Tale of Two Cities," as we ventured to places closely tied to the novel's narrative. The historic landmarks came to life as we stood before the Old Bailey and Newgate Prison, their presence evoking scenes directly from Dickens' masterpiece. Our lunch at Old Ye Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street was nothing short of extraordinary, knowing that this was a favorite pub of Charles Dickens himself. The sight of an original edition of his novel adorning the wall added a touch of nostalgia and reverence to the experience. As we explored the locations of Temple Bar and Tellson's Bank, both integral to the plot, the connection between the novel and reality became even more tangible. The echoes of the past reverberated through the streets of modern London, subtly blending the bygone era with contemporary times. In these moments, we were transported back to the pages of Dickens' literary masterpiece, navigating the streets where his characters once walked. The historical essence intertwined with the vibrancy of modern life, offering a unique perspective on the timeless themes within "A Tale of Two Cities." Through a harmonious blend of history, imagination, and Dickensian phrases, we stepped into the heart of the book, embracing the past with a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of storytelling.
Inside of Sondheim Theater for Les Misérables
Throughout the week, our journey through historical London and our literary explorations were filled with captivating experiences, but the pinnacle of it all was undoubtedly witnessing "Les Misérables" at the Sondheim Theater. As it was my first time witnessing a live musical performance, I was simply blown away by the sheer brilliance of the production. The actors' voices resonated through the theater, bringing Victor Hugo's epic novel to life in a mesmerizing and enchanting manner. Having read "Les Misérables" prior to the show, I found myself immersed in the unfolding narrative with a profound appreciation for the intricate details. The familiarity with the book allowed me to follow the storyline effortlessly, enhancing my connection with the characters and their emotions. It was a surreal experience to recognize scenes from the novel, witnessing the seamless transition of Hugo's words into real-life settings and actions. The live musical brought out a ton of emotions as the characters sang and moved their way through the plot. As the final curtain fell, I was in awe of what I had just witnessed. This experience will definitely be one that I remember forever.
Another experience that was very interesting was the tour of Dennis Severs’ House. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the darkness and eerie ambiance that engulfed the place, evoking a sense of mystery and intrigue similar to a haunted house. It dawned on me that this was precisely how the characters in Dickens' novel might have lived. Every room within the house was meticulously arranged, exuding an aura of authenticity that brought the scenes to life. The meticulous attention to detail in each room immersed me in the characters' lives, making me feel like a resident of the house rather than a visitor. One aspect that particularly fascinated me was how the rooms were arranged chronologically, progressing through the years to showcase the changing times. It was a brilliant representation of the passage of time, allowing us to witness the evolution of history within the confined space of the house. Two of the most interesting things that I saw in the house were the computer hidden behind the wall and a Yankees cap outside of the last room. I was surprised when I saw the cap since Severs was from California.
Overall, this first week in London was way better than I expected. The city has amazed me at every corner, being so rich in history and culture. Bookpacking has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to immerse myself in a novel in a way that I have never done before. This unique approach to learning has enriched my understanding of both literature and history, intertwining the two in a way that captivates me. Seeing the settings and characters of Dickins’ novel come to life has allowed me to appreciate him more and relate more to the plot of the novel. I can’t wait to see what more this class has to offer in the coming weeks and make memories along the way.