# XLVI explained — The Pickwick Papers

> Chapter companion for The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mrs. Bardell is arrested and taken to Fleet Prison by Dodson and Fogg for unpaid legal costs, where she encounters Mr. Pickwick and Sam Weller.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

Mrs. Bardell is arrested for costs in a lawsuit she won, highlighting the harsh and ironic nature of the legal system.

### Deception and Appearance

Dodson and Fogg manipulate Mrs. Bardell into a false sense of security before imprisoning her.

### Prison and Suffering

Mrs. Bardell's arrival at Fleet Prison underscores the grim reality of incarceration for debt.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Bardell

Arrested and taken to Fleet Prison for costs owed to Dodson and Fogg.

### Samuel Pickwick

Present in Fleet Prison, turns indignantly on seeing Mrs. Bardell.

### Sam Weller

Observes Mrs. Bardell's arrival at Fleet Prison and sends Job to fetch Mr. Perker.

### Job Trotter

Sent by Sam to run to Mr. Perker's office.

### Dodson and Fogg

Responsible for having Mrs. Bardell taken into custody for costs.

### Master Bardell

Accompanies his mother to Fleet Prison.

## Key lines

> Don’t bother the woman,” said the turnkey to Weller; “she’s just come in.” “A prisoner!” said Sam, quickly replacing his hat. “Who’s the plaintives? What for? Speak up, old feller.” “Dodson and Fogg,” replied the man; “execution on cognovit for costs.”

The turnkey tells Sam not to disturb Mrs. Bardell, who has just arrived. Sam, realizing she is a prisoner, asks who the plaintiffs are and is told Dodson and Fogg have taken her for costs.

_Sam learns that Mrs. Bardell has been imprisoned by Dodson and Fogg for legal costs._

> Here, Job, Job!” shouted Sam, dashing into the passage. “Run to Mr. Perker’s, Job. I want him directly. I see some good in this. Here’s a game. Hooray! vere’s the gov’nor?”

Sam calls for Job and instructs him to fetch Mr. Perker immediately, seeing an opportunity in Mrs. Bardell's imprisonment.

_Sam sends Job to get Mr. Perker, sensing a chance to turn the situation to their advantage._

## Links

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