The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
Descriptive of a very important proceeding on the part of Mr. Pickwick; no less an epoch in his life, than in this history explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Pickwick, in his Goswell Street lodgings, nervously paces and consults his watch, leading Mrs. Bardell to believe he is about to propose marriage. When he instead announces his intention to hire a manservant, Mrs. Bardell faints in his arms, and his friends Tupman, Winkle, and Snodgrass arrive to find him holding her. After the confusion, Mr. Pickwick interviews and hires Sam Weller as his servant, outfitting him in new clothes before they depart for Eatanswill.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Mrs. Bardell's misinterpretation of Mr. Pickwick's words creates a comedic scene of mistaken intentions, highlighting how appearances can deceive.
Social Class and Manners
The hiring of Sam Weller and the formalities of domestic service underscore the class structure and manners of Victorian society.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pickwick
Nervously paces his room, inadvertently leads Mrs. Bardell to misunderstand his intentions, and hires Sam Weller as his manservant.
- Mrs. Bardell
Misinterprets Mr. Pickwick's words as a marriage proposal, faints in his arms, and is led downstairs by Mr. Tupman.
- Sam Weller
Interviews with Mr. Pickwick, accepts the position of manservant at twelve pounds a year, and is outfitted with new clothes.
- Tracy Tupman
Arrives with Winkle and Snodgrass to find Mr. Pickwick holding Mrs. Bardell, and later leads her downstairs.
- Nathaniel Winkle
Carries the screaming Master Bardell to the far end of the room during the commotion.
- Augustus Snodgrass
Calls Sam Weller up from the passage as instructed by Mr. Pickwick.
Key passages
“Mr. Pickwick was going to propose—a deliberate plan, too—sent her little boy to the Borough, to get him out of the way—how thoughtful—how considerate!”
Mrs. Bardell mistakenly believes Mr. Pickwick intends to propose marriage, thinking he sent her son away to create privacy.
Highlights the comedic misunderstanding that drives the chapter.
“Take the bill down,” said Sam emphatically. “I’m let to a single gentleman, and the terms is agreed upon.”
Sam Weller enthusiastically accepts Mr. Pickwick's offer of employment, agreeing to the terms.
Marks the formal hiring of Sam Weller as Mr. Pickwick's servant.