Martin Chuzzlewit · Chapter
VII explained
In this chapter, Chevy Slyme, a drunken and boastful relative of the Chuzzlewits, asserts his independence while wallowing in self-pity.
What happens
In this chapter, Chevy Slyme, a drunken and boastful relative of the Chuzzlewits, asserts his independence while wallowing in self-pity. Martin begins working at the grammar school with vigor, and Tom Pinch balances accounts. Mr. Tigg, acting as Slyme's agent, visits Tom and borrows half a sovereign under false pretenses. Mark Tapley announces his decision to leave for London in search of a more challenging service.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Chevy Slyme's drunken boasts of genius and persecution highlight his self-deception and hypocrisy.
Deception and Trust
Mr. Tigg's smooth-talking and borrowing of money under false pretenses exemplifies deception.
Social Class and Pretension
Slyme's pretensions to taste and family, despite his degraded state, underscore class pretensions.
Characters to notice
- Chevy Slyme
Found brooding over brandy, lamenting his miserable state and boasting of his rich uncle and good family.
- Tigg Montague
Acts as Chevy Slyme's agent, flatters Tom Pinch, and borrows half a sovereign from him.
- Tom Pinch
Works on accounts, is flattered by Martin's friendship, and lends money to Tigg.
- Martin Chuzzlewit
Begins work at the grammar school, whistles while drawing, and predicts lasting friendship with Tom.
- Mark Tapley
Announces his departure for London, seeking a challenging private service.
Key passages
“I am the most miserable man in the world, I believe!”
Chevy Slyme declares himself the most wretched person alive.
Slyme's self-pitying introduction to Tom and Martin.
“You are the American aloe of the human race, my dear Chiv, which only blooms once in a hundred years!”
Tigg flatters Slyme by comparing him to a rare plant that flowers only once a century.
Tigg's ironic praise of Slyme's supposed uniqueness.
“I was just a-saying, sir, that if one could live by it, that would be the sort of service for me. Waiting on such individuals as them would be better than grave-digging, sir.”
Mark remarks that serving people like Tigg and Slyme would be preferable to digging graves.
Mark's humorous assessment of the lowly service he seeks.