Tom Tiddler's Ground

"Tom Tiddler's Ground" by Charles Dickens is a short story that looks at social ideas and how people relate to each other. It centers on Mr. Mopes, a hermit who has cut himself off from everyone else and lives in terrible conditions. Mr. Traveller, another character, is critical of Mr. Mopes' lifestyle. The story begins with Mr. Traveller learning about Tom Tiddler’s Ground and Mr. Mopes at a bar. Mr. Traveller tries to find Mr. Mopes, and along the way he meets different people, including a grumpy handyman who doesn’t like Mr. Mopes’ life of self-punishment and the awful state he lives in. When Mr. Traveller finally gets to Tom Tiddler's Ground, he finds Mr. Mopes living in a dirty environment, which causes them to argue about life, cleanliness, and why Mr. Mopes lives the way he does. Later, a young girl named Miss Kimmeens arrives, highlighting the difference between innocence and the hermit's sadness. The story ultimately criticizes people who avoid social responsibility and choose to live in neglect, while also showing how important it is for people to connect with each other and be part of a community.