# Tom Pinch departs to seek his fortune. What he finds at starting. explained — Martin Chuzzlewit

> Chapter companion for Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Tom Pinch leaves Salisbury for London after being expelled by Pecksniff. He visits his sister Ruth, who works as a governess for a wealthy brass-and-copper founder. Tom confronts the employer about the disrespectful treatment of Ruth, then takes her away. They meet John Westlock in London, who helps them find lodgings. Tom also seeks a new position and reflects on his changed fortunes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Self-Deception

Tom reflects on his former idealization of Pecksniff, now revealed as a fraud; the brass-and-copper founder's treatment of Ruth exemplifies hypocrisy in social relations.

### Social Class and Pretension

The porter and footman's dismissive behavior toward Tom highlights class distinctions; the governess's low status despite her education is a central issue.

## Character check-ins

### Tom Pinch

Departs Salisbury for London after Pecksniff's betrayal; visits his sister Ruth and confronts her employer; reunites with John Westlock.

### Ruth Pinch

Tom's sister, working as a governess; leaves her position after Tom's intervention and moves to London with him.

### John Westlock

Tom's old friend; meets Tom and Ruth in London, helps them find lodgings, and offers companionship.

### Seth Pecksniff

Mentioned as the cause of Tom's departure; his hypocrisy is reflected upon by Tom.

## Key lines

> For, in the centre of the marketplace, he missed a statue he had set up there as in all other places of his personal resort; and it looked cold and bare without that ornament.

Tom realized that his idealized image of Pecksniff had been like a statue he imagined everywhere, and now that it was gone, the world seemed empty.

_Tom's disillusionment with Pecksniff is symbolized by a missing statue._

> Respect! I believe young people are quick enough to observe and imitate; and why or how should they respect whom no one else respects, and everybody slights?

Tom argues that children naturally mimic the disrespect shown to their governess by adults, making it impossible for her to command respect.

_Tom defends his sister against her employer's criticism._

> It really seems, as if people had the same gratification in printing their complaints as in making them known by word of mouth; as if they found it a comfort and consolation to proclaim 'I want such and such a thing, and I can't get it, and I don't expect I ever shall!'

Tom observes that people seem to enjoy publishing their grievances as much as voicing them, finding solace in expressing hopeless desires.

_Tom's reflection on human nature while reading advertisements._

## Links

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