The Pickwick Papers

Introduction

First published serially from 1836 to 1837 under the pseudonym Boz and in book form in 1837. This first fictional work by Dickens was originally commissioned as a series of glorified captions for the work of caricaturist Robert Seymour. His witty, episodic accounts of the kindly, naive Samuel Pickwick and his friends in the Pickwick Club were instantly successful in their own right, however, and made Dickens a literary sensation.

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Once I started to read this novel, it became clear Dickens' style appealed to me. His descriptions are indirect in language that exercises word usage, some which are uncommon today but nevertheless, perfectly descriptive of his interesting characters. Mr. Pickwick's involvement in episodes are comical, truly character building and the imagery glues one to what follows. Dickens' style differs from modern writing where authors express opinions, whereas Dicken's creates new characters on every page and his writings are a delight to read. The description of social mores and values and the intriguing and convoluted situations is the mark of a genius. The opening chapters in particular make one want to continue to see what happens because he leaves enough of a thread of something to be completed that curiosity compels one to see what happens next.--Submitted by Ralph Cameron

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Recent Forum Posts on The Pickwick Papers

The Pickwick Papers

I first started to read The Pickwick Papers about a year ago and didn't get past the first chapter. Last week, with a break from work over Christmas, I thought I'd give it another go and am glad I did. The first Chapter is quite tough to follow, but having persevered and begun Chapter 2 I found it very hard to put the book down. The characters of Jingle early on in the book and Sam Weller later provide immense amusement around the adventures of the main characters, who I percevied to be somewhat straighter. The book definitely rewards slow and careful reading to fully appreciate all of the nuances and subtleties that make it as amusing and entertaining as it is. For what the novel is, there is little to criticise. The lack of a strong plot is excused in Dickens' original preface where he states that his 'object in this work, was to place before the reader a constant succession of characters and incidents; to paint them in as vivid colours as he could command; and to render them, at the same time, life-like and amusing'. It would be hard to argue he doesn't achieve this, and as such I'd rate this as one of the most enjoyable books I've read in months. That Dickens was only 24 when he wrote this is incredible; his insight and maturity for someone so young is almost scary.

Posted By Like_Herod at Sat 8 Jan 2011, 6:04 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 0 Replies

The Pickwick Papers

One of my profs recommended The Pickwick Papers, and I told her I'd read it this summer. I started it yesterday, and I am having a lot of trouble with it. The prose is confusing and extremely wordy (I know this is partially because it was published in serial form). I have read Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities, but I don't remember them being so taxing. Does anyone have any advice on how to read Pickwick? Thanks!

Posted By cosmos..33 at Tue 6 Jun 2006, 1:30 AM in The Pickwick Papers || 8 Replies

The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton

Hi, I have just translated it into Hungarian, but I can't make out the proper meaning of the last sentence. Isn't it ... bad? I understand that there is something to do with spirits as alcoholic drink and spirits as ghosts. So, could you explain it to me, like to a child? My English is poor, my Hung a bit better, I hope it'd be a good transation. Maybe, I'll have other questions later.

Posted By goodnite at Thu 8 Dec 2005, 2:42 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 2 Replies

Highly enjoyable

Undoubtedly, the adventures of benevolent Mr Pickwick, sensitive Mr Tupman, literary Mr Snodgrass and sportive Mr Winkle will continue to delight readers of all ages for a couple of hundreds of years more from now. Unlike the rest of Dickens’s novels,which are mostly dark or tragical, this book is just the extremely enjoyable story of these four gentlemen who decide to create a club of which Mr Pickwick is the main member. We follow them all around London, into the countryside and even inside a debtors’ prison. On their way, they meet several memorable characters, including Mr Jingle, Job Trotter, Messrs Dodson and Fogg and even a couple of ladies two of them fall in love with. As Dickens himself states in his prologue, the novel has no main plot, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable story that’s read in a light, lively way. Moreover, “Pickwick Papers” is a wonderful insight into Victorian society, written in the way only Dickens can write.

Posted By Cecilia at Tue 24 May 2005, 10:07 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 0 Replies

PICKWICK PAPERS

At the grand old age of 45 I have just read my first Dicken's novel, The Pickwick Papers. I loved it ! Some parts are a little drawn-out and the writing seems very "flowery" at times.These are minor criticisms though I found the time to read the book due to a broken leg,people say that laughter is the best medicine and PP certainly made me laughter at times ! The characters are so well drawn. It is easy to think how much pleasure Dickens had writing the book.

Posted By Alan at Tue 24 May 2005, 10:07 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 2 Replies

Pickwick

I have recently done the musical version of Pickwick in the Devenport playhouse it was really fun and a great storie i think it is a fantastic play aswell as a fantastic novel so i grade it 9/10

Posted By Sam duffer at Tue 24 May 2005, 10:07 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 0 Replies

closing chapters

The closing chapters lack the pace of the first two thirds of the story. It is hugely enjoyable and amusing throughout. Sam's dedication and his discussions with his father are quite a highlight.

Posted By Unregistered at Tue 24 May 2005, 10:07 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 0 Replies

No Subject

I havent read pickwicks papers yet, but i heard a rumor that Charles Dickens used the word "funky" in it. I was slightly suspicious of this rumor, and decided to check this online version using the search engine on the edit menu, but no cigar. Does anyone know if this is false or not? Answers would be much appreciated.

On the other hand, I read Great Expectations, and although the way it was worded was sometimes disorienting, it was written beautifully.

Posted By AnOnYmOuS at Tue 24 May 2005, 10:07 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 0 Replies

No Subject

I was forced to read The Pickwick Papers for my honors english class in school. I have not yet finished it but so far I don't really like it. Dickens uses too many pointless characters that can easily confuse the reader. There also seems to be no point to the book. There is no plot that carries on throughout the book.

Posted By Unregistered at Tue 24 May 2005, 10:07 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 0 Replies

No Subject

Ceaning out my bookcase I found a copy of the Pickwick papers. On the cover it says "ALTA EDITION" inside it is inscribed in pen Mary J File to Lizzie Yeatman Dec 25th 1883. I hesitate to get rid of this book if it is valuable or if the heirs of Lizzie might be interested in it for a keepsake. Can anyone give me some feed back.thanks. email is [email protected]. MAKE sure you put PICKWICK PAPERS in CAPITAL letters in subject line. All email goes to my junk box but I do scan it before deleting. Thanks Betsy from Pa

Posted By Unregistered at Tue 24 May 2005, 10:07 PM in The Pickwick Papers || 0 Replies

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