# XXXIX explained — Martin Chuzzlewit

> Chapter companion for Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Tom Pinch and his sister Ruth settle into their new lodgings, enjoying their domestic life together. Tom shares news about Mercy Pecksniff's marriage and Martin Chuzzlewit's absence, while concealing his deeper feelings. Ruth attempts cooking, and Tom prepares to seek employment with advice from John Westlock.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Dysfunction

The chapter contrasts the loving bond between Tom and Ruth with the dysfunctional relationships in the Pecksniff and Chuzzlewit families.

### Hypocrisy and Self-Deception

Tom's hidden feelings for Mary Graham and his silence about them reflect self-deception, while the narrator critiques the selfish doctrine of 'Every man for himself.'

## Character check-ins

### Tom Pinch

Tom is living with his sister Ruth, concealing his feelings about Mary Graham, and preparing to seek employment.

### Ruth Pinch

Ruth is happily keeping house for Tom, learning to cook, and expressing her desire to stay with him.

### John Westlock

John is a friend of Tom's who shows great interest in Mercy Pecksniff's fortunes and will visit to advise Tom on employment.

### Mercy Pecksniff

Mercy is mentioned as having married, with John Westlock inquiring about her husband and her changed circumstances.

### Martin Chuzzlewit

Martin is abroad and has not been heard from for a long time, having gone with Mark Tapley.

### Mark Tapley

Mark is mentioned as having accompanied Martin Chuzzlewit abroad.

## Key lines

> Tom then went into it, at full length; he told how Martin had gone abroad, and had not been heard of for a long time; how Dragon Mark had borne him company; how Mr. Pecksniff had got the poor old doting grandfather into his power; and how he basely sought the hand of Mary Graham.

Tom explained to John that Martin had traveled overseas with Mark Tapley and hadn't been heard from, that Pecksniff had taken control of the old grandfather, and that Pecksniff was dishonestly pursuing Mary Graham.

_Tom recounts key plot developments to John Westlock._

> Simple in thee, dear Tom, to laugh and cry so heartily at such a sorry show, so poorly shown; simple to be so happy and loquacious trudging home with Ruth; simple to be so surprised to find that merry present of a cookery-book awaiting her in the parlour next morning, with the beefsteak-pudding-leaf turned down and blotted out.

The narrator affectionately notes Tom's innocent joy in simple pleasures, like enjoying a poor theatrical performance, walking home with Ruth, and being surprised by the cookbook left for her.

_Highlights Tom's simple, good-hearted nature._

> I should dearly like to keep house for you and take care of you always, Tom; but we are not rich enough for that.

Ruth expresses her wish to be Tom's housekeeper permanently, but acknowledges their financial limitations.

_Ruth's desire to stay with Tom despite poverty._

## Links

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