The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
Relates how Mr. Pickwick, with the assistance of Samuel Weller, essayed to soften the heart of Mr. Benjamin Allen, and to mollify the wrath of Mr. Robert Sawyer explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Pickwick and Sam Weller visit Bob Sawyer and Ben Allen to reconcile them to Arabella's marriage to Mr. Winkle. After initial hostility and a scuffle with a patient, the old aunt's intervention and Sam's reasoning help calm tempers. A toast is drunk to the Winkles, and Ben Allen agrees to accompany Pickwick to meet Mr. Winkle Sr.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Arabella's marriage to Winkle causes conflict with her brother and Bob Sawyer, but is ultimately accepted.
Friendship and Loyalty
Mr. Pickwick and Sam Weller act as peacemakers, showing loyalty to their friends.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pickwick
Visits Bob Sawyer and Ben Allen to mediate the dispute over Arabella's marriage.
- Sam Weller
Accompanies Mr. Pickwick and offers witty observations to defuse the situation.
- Benjamin Allen
Angry about his sister Arabella's marriage, but eventually calms down and agrees to accompany Pickwick.
- Bob Sawyer
Initially furious about losing Arabella, but after a drink he toasts the Winkles' happiness.
- Arabella Allen
Mentioned as the newly married sister of Ben Allen and object of Bob Sawyer's affections.
- Nathaniel Winkle
Referred to as the happy bridegroom of Arabella Allen.
Key passages
“It's wonderful how the poor people patronise me”
Bob Sawyer marvels at how many poor patients he gets.
Bob Sawyer's ironic comment on his struggling practice.
“You must make yourself, with as little delay as possible, master of Arabella's one thousand pounds.”
Ben Allen urges Bob Sawyer to marry Arabella for her money.
Ben Allen's mercenary advice to his friend.