Martin Chuzzlewit · Chapter
XXXI explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Pecksniff, while walking, enters the church where Tom Pinch is playing the organ. He falls asleep and later claims to have overheard fragments of a conversation between Tom and Mary Graham, accusing Tom of improper advances. Tom does not deny the accusation, understanding Pecksniff's scheme to dismiss him. Pecksniff pays Tom his wages and sends him away, then informs old Martin Chuzzlewit of Tom's supposed treachery, all while maintaining a facade of wounded virtue.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Pecksniff feigns moral outrage and grief while orchestrating Tom's dismissal based on a fabricated accusation, exemplifying his deep hypocrisy.
Deception and Trust
Pecksniff deceives old Martin by presenting a false narrative of Tom's betrayal, exploiting the trust placed in him.
Characters to notice
- Tom Pinch
Tom is practicing the organ in the church when Pecksniff enters. He is later accused by Pecksniff of making improper advances to Mary Graham, which he does not deny, and is dismissed from Pecksniff's service.
- Seth Pecksniff
Pecksniff enters the church, falls asleep, and later claims to have overheard a conversation between Tom and Mary. He uses this as a pretext to dismiss Tom, all while maintaining a hypocritical show of moral outrage.
- Old Martin Chuzzlewit
Old Martin is present in the parlour when Pecksniff reports Tom's supposed treachery. He is disturbed and alarmed by the news.
- Mary Graham
Mary is mentioned as the subject of Pecksniff's accusation against Tom; she is not directly present in the chapter but is central to the conflict.
Key passages
“Mr. Pecksniff had no objection to music; not the least. He was tolerant of everything; he often said so. He considered it a vagabond kind of trifling, in general, just suited to Tom's capacity.”
Pecksniff claimed to be tolerant of music, but privately thought it a worthless pastime fitting for someone of Tom's low status.
Highlights Pecksniff's condescension and hypocrisy.
“I will not say what a blow this is. I will not say how much it tries me; how it works upon my nature; how it grates upon my feelings. I do not care for that. I can endure as well as another man.”
Pecksniff dramatically declares his suffering while dismissing Tom, though he is the one orchestrating the situation.
Showcases Pecksniff's self-serving rhetoric and false sentiment.