Martin Chuzzlewit · Chapter
Chapter XVI explained
Martin, guided by a candid American gentleman, witnesses the brazen corruption and self-congratulatory rhetoric of American society, embodied by Major Pawkins, Colonel Diver, and Mr.
What happens
Martin, guided by a candid American gentleman, witnesses the brazen corruption and self-congratulatory rhetoric of American society, embodied by Major Pawkins, Colonel Diver, and Mr. Jefferson Brick. He observes their casual embrace of forgery and personal attacks in the press, and reflects on the gap between America's lofty pretensions and its crude realities.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
American characters boast of freedom and moral purity while engaging in forgery, personal attacks, and corruption, revealing deep self-deception.
Greed and Corruption
Major Pawkins is described as a 'bold speculator' with a genius for swindling, and the press openly practices forgery for profit.
American vs. British Society
Martin contrasts the candid, manly bearing of his new American friend with the bombast and dishonesty of the other Americans, highlighting cultural differences.
Characters to notice
- Martin Chuzzlewit
Martin is dismayed by the corruption and hypocrisy he encounters in America, and engages in a frank conversation with a new American friend.
- Mr. Bevan
The candid American gentleman who walks with Martin and offers a sobering perspective on American society.
- Mrs. Pawkins
Mentioned as the keeper of the boardinghouse where Martin lodges, and to whom he is referred for board and lodging details.
- Colonel Diver
A bombastic editor of the Rowdy Journal who defends the paper's personal attacks and forged letters as 'smartness'.
- Jefferson Brick
The war correspondent of the Rowdy Journal, who delivers florid patriotic sentiments and defends the paper's practices.
- Major Pawkins
A corrupt speculator and politician who 'loafs' and proposes a drink, embodying the moral decay Martin observes.
Key passages
“run a moist pen slick through everything, and start fresh.”
He believed in wiping the slate clean and ignoring all past obligations.
Describes Major Pawkins's attitude toward public duty and integrity.
“Buy ’em by hundreds of thousands. We are a smart people here, and can appreciate smartness.”
The public eagerly purchases forged letters because they admire cleverness, even if dishonest.
Colonel Diver defends the practice of publishing forgeries as a sign of national intelligence.
“Is smartness American for forgery?”
Are you using 'smartness' as a euphemism for forgery?
Martin directly challenges the colonel's moral relativism.