# LVI explained — The Pickwick Papers

> Chapter companion for The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mr. Pickwick, reflecting on how to provide for the young couple, is visited by Sam Weller and his father. After a conversation, Mr. Pickwick proposes to help Sam marry Mary by setting him up in a business, but Sam refuses, insisting on staying with Mr. Pickwick. Mr. Pickwick eventually agrees, and Sam later kicks the fat boy for admiring Mary.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

Sam's refusal to leave Mr. Pickwick demonstrates deep loyalty and friendship, prioritizing his master's well-being over his own marriage.

### Charity and Benevolence

Mr. Pickwick's offer to set Sam up in business and provide for his future exemplifies his benevolent and charitable nature.

### Love and Marriage

The chapter centers on Sam and Mary's potential marriage, with Mr. Pickwick's support and Sam's eventual acceptance.

## Character check-ins

### Samuel Pickwick

Mr. Pickwick is alone, musing on how to provide for the young couple, and later proposes to help Sam marry Mary.

### Sam Weller

Sam returns home and, with his father, discusses his future with Mr. Pickwick, ultimately refusing to leave his master's service.

### Tony Weller

The elder Mr. Weller accompanies his son, initially struggling to speak, but eventually supports Sam's decision to stay with Mr. Pickwick.

### Mary

Mary announces Sam's arrival and later is the subject of Sam's marriage plans and the fat boy's admiration.

### Emily Wardle

Emily Wardle sends a note via the fat boy, mentioned as part of the chapter's events.

### Mr. Wardle

Mr. Wardle is referenced indirectly through the note from Emily Wardle.

## Key lines

> It is the best way in which I could reward him for his attachment and fidelity; let it be so, in Heaven’s name.

Mr. Pickwick decides that helping Sam marry Mary is the best reward for his loyalty.

_Mr. Pickwick resolves to support Sam's marriage as a reward for his faithful service._

> I say it can’t be done. Wot’s to become of you, Sir?

Sam refuses Mr. Pickwick's offer, worried about who will take care of his master.

_Sam declines the marriage proposal because he feels responsible for Mr. Pickwick's well-being._

> Sam Veller, as you took from the old inn in the Borough, sticks by you, come what may; and let ev’rythin’ and ev’rybody do their wery fiercest, nothin’ shall ever pervent it!

Sam vows to remain with Mr. Pickwick no matter what happens.

_Sam declares his unwavering loyalty to Mr. Pickwick, refusing to leave his service._

## Links

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