Exploring the Correct Use of 'Shakespearean' vs 'Shakespearian' and 'Dickensian'

When discussing literature, particularly works by Shakespeare and Dickens, it's crucial to understand the correct use of terms that describe their styles and works. Both pairs of sentences have grammatically correct forms but convey slightly different meanings:

Shakespearean vs. Shakespearian

Consider the following pairs:

This is grammatically correct and straightforward. It indicates that Shakespearean.

This is also correct and emphasizes the characteristics of Shakespeare's style or themes, suggesting that it embodies elements typical of Shakespeare's works.

Similarly, consider another pair:

This sentence is correct and simply states that.

This sentence is also correct but the term, suggesting it has the qualities or characteristics associated with Shakespeare's works.

Both forms in each pair are grammatically correct, but they emphasize different aspects. Shakespearean is more focused on the authorship, while Shakespearian can imply a stylistic or thematic quality of his works. However, Shakespearian is less commonly used and can be seen as grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Dickensian

"Dickensian" is a term that has evolved to describe not only works by other writers that emulate Charles Dickens but also the era or societal conditions during his time. Here's how it is typically used:

This is a correct and appropriate usage. “Dickensian” can refer to works in the style of Dickens but more frequently refers to the era of Dickens' work in England, specifically to the severe economic inequality, as in “a Dickensian dystopia.”

Another example:

This is a correct and acceptable usage, though not strictly following the original meaning. In a tragic situation, calling it “Shakespearean” can be apt, even though it strictly refers to Shakespeare's works. Conversely, one wouldn't call a novel by Nabokov "Nabokovian," but "Nabokovian" would be appropriate to describe his writing style.

Stick with the Names

It's important to clarify the difference between a work being “by” an author versus being about their style. Some key points:

"That Scottish Play" is a work by Shakespeare, which implies that the work is also Shakespearean. A work described as "Shakespearean" means it contains elements of Shakespearean style but doesn't necessarily imply it was written by him. A work described as "Dickensian" can refer to either the style of Dickens' works or the era of his work, particularly the social and economic conditions of his time.

Examples in Context

Consider the following examples for clarity:

In some ways, the work of Stephen Crane such as Molly: Girl of the Streets is Dickensian in its view of the social environment of industrial urban society.

Nicholas Nickleby is by Dickens.

These examples help illustrate the appropriate use of the terms "Shakespearean" and "Dickensian."

Understanding the nuanced uses of these terms can greatly enhance the precision of your literary analysis and writing. By sticking with the correct and accepted uses, you ensure your writing is both clear and grammatically correct.