# Comprising a brief description of the company at the Peacock assembled; and a tale told by a bagman explained — The Pickwick Papers

> Chapter companion for The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

After the election, Mr. Pickwick remains absorbed in political proceedings while Mr. Winkle enjoys walks with Mrs. Pott. Mr. Tupman and Mr. Snodgrass, left to their own devices, spend evenings in the commercial room of the Peacock inn, observing the social circle. The chapter features a tale told by a one-eyed bagman about Tom Smart, who, after drinking hot punch, sees a ghostly old man in a chair that reveals a secret letter proving the tall man Jinkins is already married, enabling Tom to win the widow landlady.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

The tall man Jinkins conceals his marriage to deceive the widow, while Tom Smart uses the secret letter to expose the truth.

### Love and Marriage

Tom Smart's pursuit of the widow landlady and the revelation of Jinkins' existing marriage drive the tale's romantic plot.

### Adventure and Exploration

Tom Smart's journey and his supernatural encounter in the inn add an element of adventure to the chapter.

## Character check-ins

### Tracy Tupman

Observes the social circle in the commercial room at the Peacock.

### Augustus Snodgrass

Notes down the sayings and doings of the company at the Peacock.

### Sam Weller

Initiates Tupman and Snodgrass into bagatelle and skittles at the Peacock.

### Samuel Pickwick

Devotes his time to election proceedings, absent from the Peacock socializing.

### Nathaniel Winkle

Spends time walking with Mrs. Pott during the election period.

### Mr. Pott

Hosts Mr. Pickwick and Mr. Winkle; his enthusiasm for politics influences Mr. Pickwick.

## Key lines

> It is pleasant to turn from contemplating the strife and turmoil of political existence, to the peaceful repose of private life.

It is enjoyable to shift focus from the chaos of politics to the calm of personal life.

_Opening reflection contrasting political excitement with domestic tranquility._

> Rum creeters is women

Women are strange creatures.

_A comment by the dirty-faced man in the commercial room, reflecting a common stereotype._

> Hot punch is a pleasant thing, gentlemen—an extremely pleasant thing under any circumstances—but in that snug old parlour, before the roaring fire, with the wind blowing outside till every timber in the old house creaked again, Tom Smart found it perfectly delightful.

Hot punch is always enjoyable, but especially so in a cozy room by a fire while the wind howls outside.

_Describes Tom Smart's cozy and contented mood while drinking punch._

## Links

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