O Mrs Higden, mrs Higden, you was a woman and a mother, and a mangler in a million million

O Mrs Higden, mrs Higden, you was a woman and a mother, and a mangler in a million million

In Charles Dickens' novel "Our Mutual Friend," the character of Mrs. Higden is a complex and tragic figure who embodies the struggles of poverty and the harsh realities of life in Victorian England. The quote "O Mrs Higden, Mrs Higden, you was a woman and a mother, and a mangler in a million million" speaks to the profound empathy and understanding that Dickens had for characters like Mrs. Higden, who are often overlooked and marginalized in society.

Mrs. Higden is a poor, elderly woman who works as a "mangler," or laundry worker, to make ends meet. She is a widow with no family or support system, and she lives in squalid conditions in a run-down tenement. Despite her difficult circumstances, Mrs. Higden is portrayed as a kind and caring woman who looks out for others in her community, particularly the orphaned child, Johnny.

The quote highlights the dual nature of Mrs. Higden's character - she is both a victim of her circumstances and a strong, resilient woman who does her best to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. Dickens emphasizes Mrs. Higden's humanity and dignity, despite her poverty and social status. By calling her a "mangler in a million million," Dickens acknowledges the hard work and sacrifice that Mrs. Higden has made to provide for herself and others.

Through the character of Mrs. Higden, Dickens shines a light on the plight of the poor and marginalized in society, and challenges his readers to see beyond stereotypes and prejudices. Mrs. Higden is not just a nameless, faceless figure in the background of the story - she is a fully realized character with hopes, dreams, and struggles of her own.