# LIII explained — The Pickwick Papers

> Chapter companion for The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mr. Pickwick consults with Mr. Perker about the strained relations between Mr. Winkle and his father following the marriage to Arabella. He also settles his accounts with Perker. Jingle and Job Trotter take their leave, having been assisted by Pickwick and Perker, and the chapter ends with the arrival of Dodson and Fogg at Perker's office.

## Themes in this chapter

### Charity and Benevolence

Mr. Pickwick's generosity toward Jingle and Trotter, and Perker's praise of such benevolence regardless of outcome.

### Friendship and Loyalty

The strong bond between Pickwick and Perker, and Pickwick's steadfast support for the Winkles.

### Justice and Injustice

The unresolved tension with Dodson and Fogg, and the underlying theme of legal manipulation versus true justice.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pickwick

Mr. Pickwick comforts Arabella, settles his accounts with Perker, and bids farewell to Jingle and Job Trotter.

### Mr. Perker

Perker handles the settlement with Pickwick, advises on the Winkle situation, and receives Dodson and Fogg.

### Arabella Allen

Arabella is distressed over her father-in-law's disapproval but is comforted by Mr. Pickwick.

### Alfred Jingle

Jingle and Job Trotter take their leave after receiving assistance from Pickwick and Perker.

### Job Trotter

Job Trotter accompanies Jingle in their departure, showing gratitude to Mr. Pickwick.

### Mr. Lowten

Lowten announces the arrival of Dodson and Fogg at Perker's office.

## Key lines

> I only mean a pecuniary settlement. You have done me many acts of kindness that I can never repay, and have no wish to repay, for I prefer continuing the obligation.

Mr. Pickwick tells Perker he wants to settle his financial debt, acknowledging that Perker's kindness is beyond repayment and that he wishes to remain indebted to him.

_Highlights the depth of friendship and gratitude between Pickwick and Perker._

> Whether that species of benevolence which is so very cautious and long-sighted that it is seldom exercised at all, lest its owner should be imposed upon, and so wounded in his self-love, be real charity or a worldly counterfeit, I leave to wiser heads than mine to determine.

Perker reflects on true charity, suggesting that being overly cautious about being taken advantage of may prevent genuine acts of kindness.

_Perker's philosophical commentary on the nature of benevolence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters/liii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pickwick_papers_se/chapters