Our Mutual Friend

Charles Dickens is renowned as one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. He was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, and his childhood was marked by financial instability. His father, John Dickens, struggled with debt, leading to Dickens’s early experiences of poverty and hardship. Such tangles with debt are portrayed in novels such as Our Mutual Friend.

Dickens began his literary career as a journalist writing for various newspapers and magazines. His first published work, Sketches by Boz (1836), comprised a collection of sketches and observations of London life, demonstrating his talent for vividly capturing the quirks and foibles of society. However, it was his serialized novel The Pickwick Papers (1836-1837) that catapulted Dickens to literary fame. Serialized novels, a popular format in the 19th century, were published in installments in magazines or newspapers, allowing readers to follow the story over time. Dickens recognized the potential of serialization as a means of reaching a wider audience and maximizing profits. The Pickwick Papers was initially conceived as a series of humorous sketches but evolved into a sprawling narrative featuring a diverse cast of characters and a tapestry of subplots.

The success of The Pickwick Papers paved the way for Dickens’s subsequent serialized novels, including Oliver Twist (1837-1839), Nicholas Nickleby (1838-1839), and David Copperfield (1849-1850). Serialization allowed Dickens to engage directly with his readership, incorporating feedback and adapting the narrative in response to audience reactions. This interactive aspect of serialization fostered a sense of anticipation and community among readers, who eagerly awaited each new installment. Moreover, serialization enabled Dickens to explore complex themes and subplots, weaving together disparate threads into a cohesive narrative whole. Dickens’s serialized novels often featured intricate plotting, cliffhangers, and dramatic twists designed to keep readers engaged and eager for more. The episodic nature of serialization also allowed Dickens to introduce new characters and settings gradually, expanding the scope of his narratives.

Dickens’s Our Mutual Friend was serialized in monthly installments between May 1864 and November 1865. It was Dickens’s last completed novel. The genesis of the novel can be traced back to Dickens’s dissatisfaction with his previous serialized work. He sought to return to the serialized format while addressing the shortcomings he perceived in his earlier work—for example, Oliver Twist’s portrayal of the thief Fagin, which even at the time was criticized as antisemitic. Our Mutual Friend’s Riah, who falls victim to antisemitic stereotypes, was a direct response to this criticism.

The publication of Our Mutual Friend coincided with a tumultuous period in Dickens’s personal and professional life. Despite facing personal challenges, including marital discord and declining health, Dickens dedicated himself fervently to the crafting of his novel. Serialized in the pages of All the Year Round, a literary magazine founded and edited by Dickens himself, Our Mutual Friend captivated readers with its intricate plotlines and multifaceted characters. Our Mutual Friend occupies a unique place in the pantheon of Dickens’s novels, showcasing the author’s matured storytelling prowess and his enduring commitment to social justice. Despite its initial mixed reception, the novel has since garnered critical acclaim for its rich characterization, intricate plotting, and incisive social commentary.