"We were put to Dickens as children but it never quite took. That unremitting humanity soon had me cheesed off"

Alan Bennett's quote, "We were put to Dickens as children but it never quite took. That unremitting humanity quickly had me cheesed off", reflects a nuanced and somewhat funny review of Charles Dickens' literary style through the lens of his own childhood experiences. When Bennett says they were "put to Dickens as children", he is describing the way Dickens is frequently a staple in the instructional curriculum, especially in English literature, where kids are introduced to his works at a young age. Dickens' books are towering classics, celebrated for their detailed plots, unforgettable characters, and incisive social commentary. Nevertheless, Bennett's expression that it "never rather took" suggests a personal disconnection or absence of gratitude for Dickens' works during his formative years.

The phrase "That unremitting mankind quickly had me cheesed off" is especially informing. Dickens is renowned for his deep exploration of human nature, social justice, and his often nostalgic portrayal of the predicament of the underclass in Victorian England. His books often promote the cause of the downtrodden and highlight moral worths and redemption. For some readers, particularly more youthful ones, this "unremitting mankind"-- with its constant, intense focus on ethical and social concerns-- can feel overwhelming or preachy. Bennett's use of "cheesed off", a colloquial British term for being irritated or upset, injects humor and personal insight. It suggests that as a child, he found Dickens' persistent moral earnestness tiresome or excessively didactic.

In essence, Bennett is highlighting the gap in between the scholastic valorization of Dickens and the personal reception of his stories. Through this quote, Bennett might likewise be discreetly critiquing academic techniques that impose certain canonical authors on young readers without necessarily engaging with their interests or readiness. His reflection welcomes us to consider how literature is taught and valued throughout different stages of life, and how personal taste can contrast with literary tradition and acclaim.