This image was taken during the 19th century of the Victorian era of London. It is an accurate portrayal of the slums within London that captures the collective struggles of the city. The themes one can grasp from this image is the filth, lack of light, and cramped spaces filled with an abundant population of young and probably unhealthy individuals. In connection to the Dickens novel Bleak House, one can almost imagine this lifestyle and setting found in the image. Although the novel didn't follow characters all restricted to this level of poverty, one wouldn't be surprised by this image from initially learning about the context painted by Dickens in his writings. Even the working and upper class couldn't escape the filth in Bleak House, nor could they escape the stench, fog, and limited light. In this image, one can also see the stone used for the streets and buildings (a result of changes due to the previous great fire). Because of the close stone walls, it is easy to picture the shadows from the old Abby Church that Dickens mentions from the point of view of Esther. The lamp found in the alley of this pathway, one can also imagine, only provided a small bit of light breaking through the shadows of the dark streets.
"Life in 19th Century Slums: Victorian London's homes from hell." BBC History Magazine, Fall 2016, https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/life-in-19th-century-slum….