The Chimes. The Cricket on the Hearth

“The Chimes” and “The Cricket on the Hearth” by Charles Dickens (1812—1870) belong to his well-known cycle “Christmas Stories”. The events of the first one develop on the New Year’s Eve when the casual messenger Toby after his talk with the alderman begins to believe that all the poor people are bad ones already by birth and therefore his daughter does not deserve happiness as well. However, the spirits of the bells do not agree with him — the fairy-tale charms change the chain of events, and Toby himself. In the second story, the ideal family of the carrier has been described: he and his wife have a lot of friends, a little Baby, a songful Cricket and a dog, Boxer. Dramatic events caused by the appearance of a stranger menace the family’s happiness. Still, the magic creatures come to their relief again, that is why this story will have quite unexpected finale.

Charles Dickens, already during his lifetime, became a classic of English literature. He believed into the invincible strength of kindness, and the cycle “Christmas stories" stands out among his works due to its peculiar warmth and heartiness. The proposed book contains two of them — “The Chimes" and “The Cricket on the Hearth" which are about ordinary people’s joys and values of home comfort. Fantastic personages of the stories live side by side with people, help them and protect their happiness. Incredible events which will have unexpected affecting outcomes befall the main heroes. Writer’s colourful and poetic style of narration, his humour and wit will attract the readers.

“Новорічні дзвони” і “Цвіркун домашнього вогнища” Чарльза Діккенса (1812—1870) належать до відомого циклу “різдвяних повістей”. Події першої розгортаються в новорічну ніч, коли носильник Тобі після розмови із суддею починає вірити, що всі бідняки лихі вже від народження і тому його донька не заслуговує на щастя. Однак духи церковних дзвонів з ним не згодні — казкові чари змінюють хід подій і самого Тобі. У другій повісті змальовано ідеальну сім’ю візника: у них із дружиною багато друзів, маленьке Немовлятко, співучий Цвіркун і собака Боксер. Драматичні події, спричинені появою чужинця, загрожують щастю родини. Проте чарівні істоти знову приходять на допомогу, тому ця історія матиме зовсім несподіваний фінал.