Martin Chuzzlewit · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Martin leaves Pecksniff's house in anger and walks to London in the rain.
What happens
Martin leaves Pecksniff's house in anger and walks to London in the rain. He discovers a half-sovereign hidden in Tom Pinch's book, which raises his spirits. In London, he meets Mark Tapley, who reveals that Mary Graham and old Martin are in London. Martin writes a letter to Mary and prepares to go to America. He pawns his belongings and places an advertisement seeking passage.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Martin's pride and self-deception are highlighted as he rationalizes his situation and feels superior to Tom Pinch.
Redemption and Self-Discovery
Martin begins a journey of self-discovery, facing humiliation and loss of self-respect as he descends into poverty.
Characters to notice
- Martin Chuzzlewit
Leaves Pecksniff's house in a rage, walks to London, discovers Tom's gift, meets Mark Tapley, and plans to go to America.
- Mark Tapley
Meets Martin in London, reveals he has seen old Martin and Mary Graham, and offers to help deliver a letter to Mary.
- Tom Pinch
Gives Martin a book with a hidden half-sovereign, which Martin finds and appreciates.
- Tigg Montague
Encountered by Martin at a pawnbroker's shop; Martin is humiliated by the meeting.
- Mary Graham
Mentioned as being in London with old Martin; Martin writes her a letter.
- Old Martin Chuzzlewit
Reported by Mark Tapley to be in London with Mary Graham.
Key passages
“There are some falsehoods, Tom, on which men mount, as on bright wings, towards Heaven. There are some truths, cold bitter taunting truths, wherein your worldly scholars are very apt and punctual, which bind men down to earth with leaden chains.”
Some lies lift people up like wings to heaven, while harsh truths chain them to the ground.
Martin reflects on Tom's generous lie about not needing the half-sovereign.
“Who could help it, when things come about like this!”
How could anyone not be cheerful when events turn out so well?
Mark Tapley expresses delight at the coincidence of meeting Martin.