Dickens himself was becoming increasingly impatient with England's political
economy, which he perceives as insensitive to the needs of the people, and is
indignant with the social conditions he sees around him.
While he does not advocate a violent outburst from those who are the victims of
this oppression, the explosive energy of the riot scenes in Barnaby offers a
vision of what is possible if the needs of the people are not addressed.
Upon completing Barnaby Rudge Dickens visited America where he was absolutely
lionized. However, after several attacks on him for his insistent speaking out
in favor of international copyright laws and after further acquaintance with
American ill breeding and overly familiar intrusion on his and Catherine's
privacy, Dickens became disenchanted with his own vision of America as a land of
freedom that was fulfilling a democratic ideal.
In American Notes (1842) he expresses his reservations about America, much to
the chagrin of his American audience.
