Dickens had a happy early childhood, but in 1824 his father was imprisoned for debts. During this time, Dickens worked in a “blackening factory”. A blackening factory is a factory where shoe polish is made.

“Life of Charles Dickens (1812-1870).” Dickens Fellowship, https://dickensfellowship.org/index.php/read/life-of-dickens/life-of-cha.... Accessed 13 Nov. 2023.