# Chapter XIII explained — Martin Chuzzlewit

> Chapter companion for Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/martin_chuzzlewit_se/chapters