The Pickwick Papers

The Pickwick Papers, in German translation first The Pickwick Papers, The Posthumous Papers Original title of the Pickwick Club, better known as The Pickwick Papers, is the first novel by Charles Dickens. With it, he established his literary fame. The work was as a monthly serial novel in 20 parts between March 1836 and published in October 1837. The humorous novel, Dickens published at age 23, making him practically overnight fame.

Content

Main character of the novel is the scholar Samuel Pickwick, founder and president of the Pickwick Club. In order to gain new insights, he shall, in conjunction with the club members Tracy Tupman, Augustus Snodgrass, and Nathaniel Winkle numerous trips within England. Almost episodic and with lots of humor and situation comedy portrays Charles Dickens thereby to existing adventure. By relying on the (fictional ) Protocols of the Pickwick Club, he gives his story authenticity.

At the beginning of their journeys to learn the four Pickwickians Alfred Jingle know who is revealed in the course of history as impostor. Again and again, the four friends are out on the Manor Farm Mr. Wardle in Dingley Dell. A central role is played by Mr. Pickwick and Sam Weller the shrewd as a faithful servant. His attitude caused a misunderstanding between the scholar and his landlady Mrs. Bardell, which ultimately brings all three into the Fleet Prison in London. Especially here shows Dickens, whose father sat some time in London debtor's prison itself, the intolerable social conditions on. The law firm of Dodson & Fogg is the inglorious role of the judiciary. The novel still ends for almost everyone involved with a happy ending.

Aspects of interpretation

The central themes of the novel are friendship and forgiveness, which are executed by means of the eccentric figure Samuel Pickwick. This comes at the end of the novel for the debts of Mrs. Bardell and Alfred Jingle, although both have previously given him Affliction. The servant Sam Weller connects much more with his Lord as a service relationship. Under expenditure of some sophistication he follows him against his will even to the debtor's prison.

Pickwick allows fatherly mentor figure his ( younger ) Club members Tupman, Snodgrass and Winkle an educational trip, get to know the two of the three their future wives. Even his servant Sam Weller - Wellerismus he actively supported in his marriage ambitions. As soon as his proteges want to go their own way with their wives, Pickwick loosens the tight bonds of friendship and raises his club on.

The staff of Mr. Wardle's, Joe Joseph, suffering from obesity and constant sleepiness. This disease is known on the basis of the description in the novel as Pickwick syndrome.

24 pages of the manuscript for the Pickwick Papers - and thus the largest existing part - are owned by the Rosenbach Museum & Library in Philadelphia. The art dealer A.S.W. Rosenbach had bought the manuscript in two parts in 1923 and 1928.

Films

Musical

Dickens novel also provided the template for the musical Pickwick by Leslie Bricusse (text) and Cyril Ornadel (music), which was premiered in London in 1963 and was also seen on Broadway in 1965.