# Mr. Pecksniff's Design explained — Martin Chuzzlewit

> Chapter companion for Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mr. Pecksniff observes the mental and physical decline of old Martin Chuzzlewit and resolves to secure his fortune for himself. He considers marrying Mary Graham to further his scheme, and begins to manipulate old Martin into moving into his house. Meanwhile, Charity Pecksniff announces her intention to leave for London, leaving Tom Pinch bewildered.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Self-Deception

Pecksniff rationalizes his manipulative schemes as kindness and moral duty.

### Greed and Corruption

Pecksniff's desire to secure old Martin's fortune drives his deceitful actions.

### Deception and Trust

Pecksniff deceives both old Martin and Mary Graham to further his own interests.

## Character check-ins

### Seth Pecksniff

Plots to secure old Martin's fortune and considers marrying Mary Graham.

### Old Martin Chuzzlewit

Shows signs of mental and physical decline; is manipulated by Pecksniff.

### Mary Graham

The object of Pecksniff's matrimonial designs; distressed by his advances.

### Charity Pecksniff

Plans to leave for London, hinting at a secret; parts amicably with Tom Pinch.

### Tom Pinch

Bewildered by Charity's announcement and remains devoted to the Pecksniff family.

## Key lines

> from that hour his character seemed to have modified by regular degrees, and to have softened down into a dull indifference for almost everyone but Mr. Pecksniff.

From that moment, his personality gradually changed, becoming a listless apathy toward nearly everyone except Mr. Pecksniff.

_Describes old Martin's decline and growing dependence on Pecksniff._

> Then, said Mr. Pecksniff, 'what if I married her!'

Then Mr. Pecksniff thought, 'What if I were to marry her!'

_Pecksniff's scheme to marry Mary Graham to secure old Martin's fortune._

> I have arranged to go, Papa, said Charity, tomorrow.

Charity told her father she had made plans to leave the next day.

_Charity announces her departure for London._

## Links

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