Martin Chuzzlewit · Chapter
In which the tables are turned, completely upside down explained
Old Martin Chuzzlewit, having gathered intelligence from Tom Pinch, John Westlock, Chuffey, and Nadgett, resolves to execute his long-hidden scheme against Mr.
What happens
Old Martin Chuzzlewit, having gathered intelligence from Tom Pinch, John Westlock, Chuffey, and Nadgett, resolves to execute his long-hidden scheme against Mr. Pecksniff. He refuses to see his grandson Martin until the next day, but instructs Mark Tapley to summon him. After a night of meditation, old Martin confronts Pecksniff, exposing his selfishness and treachery, and banishes him. The chapter ends with the chaotic arrival of Poll Sweedlepipe and Mrs. Gamp, revealing that Bailey is alive.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Pecksniff's self-righteous farewell speech and old Martin's exposure of his treachery highlight the theme of hypocrisy.
Greed and Corruption
Old Martin's scheme is rooted in the selfishness and greed that led to Jonas's crimes and Pecksniff's deceit.
Family and Dysfunction
Old Martin's strained relationship with his grandson and the broader Chuzzlewit family dysfunction are central to the plot.
Characters to notice
- Old Martin Chuzzlewit
Resolved to execute his scheme against Pecksniff; refuses to see his grandson until the next day; confronts and banishes Pecksniff.
- Seth Pecksniff
Confronted by old Martin, exposed as selfish and treacherous, and banished; delivers a self-righteous farewell speech.
- Tom Pinch
Party to all proceedings; goes home to tell Ruth the news and prepare her for the morning visit to the Temple.
- Mark Tapley
Summoned by old Martin; delivers message to young Martin; escorts Mrs. Lupin; comments on Tigg's nature.
- John Westlock
Summoned by old Martin immediately upon his arrival; assists in the proceedings; asked to return in the morning.
- Bailey
Revealed to be alive and well by Poll Sweedlepipe; staggers into the room in top-boots with his head bandaged.
Key passages
“Self; grasping, eager, narrow-ranging, overreaching self; with its long train of suspicions, lusts, deceits, and all their growing consequences; was the root of the vile tree.”
Selfishness, with its accompanying suspicions, desires, and deceptions, is the root of all evil.
Old Martin reflects on the cause of the family's troubles.
“If you ever contemplate the silent tomb, sir, think of me. If you find yourself approaching to the silent tomb, sir, think of me. If you should wish to have anything inscribed upon your silent tomb, sir, let it be, that I—ah, my remorseful sir! that I—the humble individual who has now the honour of reproaching you, forgave you.”
Pecksniff grandly tells old Martin to remember his forgiveness when facing death, despite his own wrongdoing.
Pecksniff's hypocritical farewell speech.
“He's no more dead than I am. He's all alive and hearty. Aint you, Bailey?”
Poll Sweedlepipe announces that Bailey is alive and well.
The surprising revelation that Bailey survived.