Martin Chuzzlewit · Chapter
Chapter XVIII explained
Old Anthony Chuzzlewit grows frail and cold, while his son Jonas treats him with contempt and greed.
What happens
Old Anthony Chuzzlewit grows frail and cold, while his son Jonas treats him with contempt and greed. Mr. Pecksniff visits, hoping to secure Jonas as a son-in-law, and observes the strained relationship. Jonas secretly examines his father's will, which leaves him everything, and is caught spying by Pecksniff. Chuffey, the old clerk, defends Anthony with unexpected eloquence, revealing the family's dysfunction.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Jonas's greed for his father's inheritance drives his cruelty and secret examination of the will.
Family and Dysfunction
The toxic relationship between Jonas and Anthony, with Jonas's contempt and Anthony's fear, highlights family dysfunction.
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Pecksniff's moralizing while scheming for a wealthy son-in-law exemplifies hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- Jonas Chuzzlewit
Shows contempt for his father, examines the will secretly, and is caught by Pecksniff.
- Anthony Chuzzlewit
Feels cold and frail, laments his age, and is mistreated by Jonas.
- Seth Pecksniff
Visits Anthony, schemes to marry Jonas to his daughter, and spies on Jonas reading the will.
- Chuffey
Defends Anthony with a rare outburst, calling Jonas a boy and insisting Anthony is not old.
Key passages
“Death has no right to leave him standing, and to mow me down!”
It's unfair that Death spares Chuffey but threatens me.
Anthony laments his own frailty compared to his clerk.
“Bind him when he's in the mood, Pecksniff; bind him. You're too deep. In your way of leading him on, you'll leave him miles behind.”
Seize the chance to secure Jonas now, Pecksniff; your cunning may outpace him.
Anthony advises Pecksniff on how to manipulate Jonas into marriage.
“He is your own son, Mr. Chuzzlewit. Your own son, sir!”
Remember, Jonas is your own son, Mr. Chuzzlewit.
Chuffey's outburst ironically underscores Jonas's betrayal.