MORAL AND LINGUISTIC REPRESENTATION OF EVIL IN CHARLES DICKENS’S “HUNTED DOWN”

Abstract

This article studies how evil is shown morally and linguistically in Charles Dickens’s short story Hunted Down. The main focus is on the character of Julius Slinkton, who represents hidden and manipulative evil. The research shows that Dickens does not present evil only through violent actions, but also through polite language, calm speech, and false manners. A qualitative textual analysis is used to examine how language helps Slinkton hide his true intentions. The study concludes that Dickens warns readers not to trust polite speech and outward respectability, because evil can exist behind them.