Household Words IV (1851)
Revolution of 1848 (1):
There was quite a bit of turmoil all over Europe during 1848. One particular tense situation was that of Austria and Hungary. From March of 1848 to July of 1849 the Habsburg Empire was threatened by revolution. The Empire was quite powerful and conservative in its rule causing many countries, including Hungary, to attempt independence. In fact, many Hungarians went into exile and many made their way to the United States. At the time the revolutions started, the Empire was under the reign of Ferdinand I. He was considered a feeble leader of the people. Due to his health, he was convinced to abdicate the throne to his nephew, Franz Joseph. This proved to be a wise choice as the Austrian army quieted the Hungarian revolts.
An Austrian State Trial (2):
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| Schönbrünn Palace |
Mr. Bunce, a New York journalist, travels to Europe out of curiosity. He has heard stories of the revolutions from Hungarian immigrants and would like to see the events. In an agreement with his employer, he is to cover his travels for print in the paper. Upon making his way to the great continent, he begins his journey visiting friends in England. From there, he makes his way to Vienna, Austria. As a tourist, he spends his days in the palace gardens, coffee shops, and in the Prater. At these locations, he listens to the various opinions of the people as they discuss their political views. Mr. Bunce has no connection to any particular party but is seen as a potential threat. The government has him followed but as of yet, he is unaware of this. He continues his time as a tourist and journalist for a few days before he does feel the presence
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| Viennese Coffee |
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| Prater |
of his observer. At this point, he makes his way to friends in Hungary. The Hungarians welcome him with open arms and are curious about the status of their friends now in the US. The talk of these individuals is overheard and problems then arise for Bunce. He is arrested and kept in a prison in Großwardein, which is presently part of Romania but was at that time part of the Austrian Empire. He is, after some time in solitary confinement, brought before a judge. Without any evidence of his political opinions, he is found guilty and is kept in prison. Due to his connections, he is able to get a note to an American official who is able to get him 30 minutes a day out in the prison grounds. Bunce is kept in prison 30 days before he is brought to the Bavarian border where he is set free. He makes his way through Germany to England and back to the great state of New York.
Why in the journal?
Dickens was always aware of all aspects of government, politics, and social injustices. This particular story ended happily but with many implications to the "justice" system of the Austrian Empire. While the story told as is, does not point fingers or present harsh judgment, it was a common tale of the 1848 Revolutions. There was injustice in many nations and this was just one way Dickens could make the people of England aware of the outside world.
Works Cited:
1. Koepke, Wulf. Die
Deutschen. 5th Edition. Orlando, Florida: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2000. Print.
2. Dickens,
Charles. "An Austrian State Trial." Household
Words.
IV. (1851): 19-22. Web. 11 Apr. 2012. <
http://www.djo.org.uk/household-words/volume-iv/page-18.html >.
Images:
Linked directly to their source unless from my personal collection.
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