In chapter IX of 'Charles Dickens, the last of the great men', Chesterton finishes the more-or-less chronological part of his book with a sequence of short discussions. It seems that the major developments in Dickens' life have started now, so we can discuss them topically, rather then strictly chronological.
Chesterton starts of with a description of Dickens' physique and original creative force, followed by a short mention of his religion and his political views. Public readings and an editorship consumed much of Dickens' time; the later books followed the pattern that started with 'David Copperfield' and 'Bleak House': more realism, less exuberant caricatures. Chesterton recognizes several literary influences in this time, such as Wilkie Collins. The subsequent novels have more and more plot and become graver and more responsible: from 'Hard Times' to 'Little Dorrit' to the historical 'Tale of two cities', from 'Great expectations' to 'Our mutual friend' to the unfinished detective story 'The mystery of Edwin Drood'.
Even though the chronology ends with Dickens' death in 1870, there are three topical chapters left, in which Chesterton will discuss Dickens' characters, Dickens' optimism, and the future of Dickens.
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