# XLV explained — Martin Chuzzlewit

> Chapter companion for Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Tom Pinch and his sister Ruth enjoy a domestic evening with John Westlock, discussing Tom's mysterious errand involving a letter and the old lady Mrs. Gamp. Tom resolves to visit Mrs. Todgers's to explain his role to Mercy Pecksniff, while John Westlock expresses concern about dark dealings. The chapter also captures the tender, romantic tension between John and Ruth.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Trust

Tom is troubled by his unwitting role in a secretive errand, and John suspects foul play.

### Family and Dysfunction

Tom's concern for Mercy Pecksniff reflects the strained family ties and moral obligations.

## Character check-ins

### Tom Pinch

Tom reflects on his commission to deliver a letter and plans to explain himself to Mercy Pecksniff.

### Ruth Pinch

Ruth meets Tom at Fountain Court, blushes at John Westlock's approach, and joins them for dinner.

### John Westlock

John hosts Tom and Ruth for dinner, shows deep interest in Tom's story, and hints at dark secrets.

### Mercy Pecksniff

Mentioned as a possible contact at Mrs. Todgers's whom Tom hopes to see.

### Sarah Gamp

Identified by John Westlock as the old lady involved in the mysterious letter.

## Key lines

> I shall remonstrate with my landlord, of course... on his having asked me to execute such an unpleasant commission.

Tom plans to confront his landlord about being asked to deliver a troubling letter.

_Tom's determination to clear his conscience._

> The Temple fountain might have leaped up twenty feet to greet the spring of hopeful maidenhood...

The narrator poetically describes Ruth's bright presence enlivening the gloomy Temple courtyard.

_A lyrical tribute to Ruth's innocence and charm._

## Links

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