# LIV explained — The Pickwick Papers

> Chapter companion for The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mr. Snodgrass accidentally hides in Mr. Wardle's bedroom while Wardle, Pickwick, Winkle, and Ben Allen arrive for dinner. Wardle reveals that he has discovered Snodgrass and Emily's secret correspondence and plan to marry, which began the previous Christmas. After initial anger, Wardle has come to town with Emily to discuss the matter. Perker advises Wardle and Pickwick to resolve it between themselves. Wardle also shares that his daughter Bella prompted the revelation, leading to a discussion about marriages of affection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter revolves around the secret engagement of Snodgrass and Emily, and the broader theme of marriages of affection versus parental approval.

### Deception and Appearance

Snodgrass hides in a bedroom to avoid detection, and the young couple's clandestine correspondence contrasts with their outward behavior.

## Character check-ins

### Augustus Snodgrass

Hides in Wardle's bedroom to avoid detection, having been secretly corresponding with Emily Wardle since last Christmas.

### Mr. Wardle

Discovers Snodgrass and Emily's secret romance; initially angry but now seeks advice from Pickwick and Perker.

### Samuel Pickwick

Shocked by the revelation of Snodgrass's secret engagement and participates in the discussion about how to proceed.

### Mr. Perker

Offers pragmatic advice to Wardle and Pickwick, suggesting they resolve the matter privately.

### Benjamin Allen

Present at the dinner; embraces his sister Arabella affectionately, reeking of tobacco.

### Arabella Allen

Recently married; receives her brother Ben and Wardle, and is involved in the discussion about Emily's situation.

## Key lines

> I went into a great passion and frightened my mother into a fit

I lost my temper so badly that I gave my mother a fright.

_Wardle describes his initial reaction to discovering the secret romance._

> the long and the short of it is, then, that Bella at last mustered up courage to tell me that Emily was very unhappy

In short, Bella finally found the courage to tell me that Emily was miserable.

_Wardle reveals how the secret came to light through his daughter Bella._

## Links

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