# Chapter XLIII explained — Martin Chuzzlewit

> Chapter companion for Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Martin Chuzzlewit returns to his grandfather's house, determined to reconcile despite the interference of Mr. Pecksniff. With Mark Tapley's encouragement and Mrs. Lupin's support, Martin confronts his grandfather, confessing his hardships abroad and seeking forgiveness. Pecksniff acts as a manipulative chorus, attempting to block Martin's appeal, but old Martin shows signs of lingering affection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Self-Deception

Pecksniff's theatrical posturing as a shield of virtue while manipulating old Martin highlights his profound hypocrisy.

### Redemption and Self-Discovery

Martin's journey from selfishness to humility, seeking forgiveness and honest work, embodies a quest for redemption.

### Deception and Trust

The tension between Martin's sincere appeal and Pecksniff's deceitful influence over old Martin underscores the theme of broken trust.

## Character check-ins

### Martin Chuzzlewit

Returns from America, humbled and seeking reconciliation with his grandfather.

### Mark Tapley

Urges Martin to humble himself and make amends, showing unwavering loyalty.

### Mrs. Lupin

Supports Martin and Mark, conveying Tom Pinch's gratitude and well-being.

### Old Martin Chuzzlewit

Visibly aged and broken, he hides his face in tears upon seeing Martin, but remains under Pecksniff's influence.

### Seth Pecksniff

Interposes himself between Martin and his grandfather, acting as a self-righteous chorus and blocking reconciliation.

### Mary Graham

Present in the room, she is comforted by old Martin and hides her face in distress during the confrontation.

## Key lines

> If you started wrong with your grandfather (which, you'll excuse my taking the liberty of saying, appears to have been the case), up with you, sir, and tell him so, and make an appeal to his affections. Don't stand out. He's a great deal older than you, and if he was hasty, you was hasty too. Give way, sir, give way.

Mark advises Martin to admit his mistakes to his grandfather and appeal to his love, urging him to yield since both were at fault.

_Mark Tapley's pragmatic counsel to humble oneself for reconciliation._

> But don't you see, that being wholly under this hypocrite's government, and having (if what we hear be true) no mind or will of his own, I throw myself, in fact, not at his feet, but at the feet of Mr. Pecksniff?

Martin fears that apologizing to his grandfather means submitting to Pecksniff's control, as the old man is dominated by the hypocrite.

_Martin's reluctance to reconcile due to Pecksniff's influence over his grandfather._

> From a painful journey, from a hard life, from a sickbed, from privation and distress, from gloom and disappointment, from almost hopelessness and despair, I have come back to you.

Martin describes his arduous return from America, marked by suffering and near hopelessness.

_Martin's earnest plea to his grandfather, emphasizing his hardships._

## Links

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