The Poiesis of Charles Dickens’s Night Walks

The case of the article is six of Charles Dickens’ articles based on his walks in London. The theoretical approach of the article is Heidegger’s conception of poiesis, in particular his central concept Geschehnis der Wahrheit (unconcealment of truth), which is regarded as a notable element of Dickens’ wish for social reform and his societal critique. This has the context of Dickens’ work as a reporter and editor of his periodicals Household Words and All the Year Round. The article demonstrates how the walks as poiesis gave rise to what it calls a topographical narrative structure. In the article it is argued that poiesis in the form of walking was central to Dickens’ social critique as it was manifest in his journalism.