The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
XVII explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Pickwick, recovering from a rheumatic attack brought on by his recent misadventures, amuses himself by writing down a tale told by Sam Weller. The story, 'The Parish Clerk: A Tale of True Love,' recounts the romantic misadventures of Nathaniel Pipkin, a humble parish clerk who falls in love with Maria Lobbs, the daughter of the formidable saddler Old Lobbs. Pipkin's timid courtship, aided by Maria's mischievous cousin Kate, culminates in a farcical scene where he is discovered hiding in a closet by the enraged father.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Nathaniel Pipkin's timid courtship of Maria Lobbs, complicated by her father's opposition and a rival cousin, explores the trials of romantic aspiration across social and economic divides.
Deception and Appearance
The tale hinges on hidden identities and secret meetings, as Pipkin is concealed in a closet and the true nature of Maria's relationship with her cousin is ambiguously playful.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pickwick
Laid up with rheumatism but retains his good humour; spends his convalescence writing down Sam Weller's tale.
- Sam Weller
Attends to Mr. Pickwick during his illness and provides the oral recital that becomes 'The Parish Clerk' tale.
- Mr. Wardle
Visits Mr. Pickwick in his sickroom and shares laughter over the recent adventure.
- Mr. Trundle
Joins Mr. Wardle in visiting Mr. Pickwick and sharing wine.
- Nathaniel Pipkin
Protagonist of the inset tale; a timid parish clerk who falls in love with Maria Lobbs.
- Maria Lobbs
Object of Nathaniel Pipkin's affection; daughter of Old Lobbs the saddler.
Key passages
“The constitution of Mr. Pickwick, though able to sustain a very considerable amount of exertion and fatigue, was not proof against such a combination of attacks as he had undergone on the memorable night, recorded in the last chapter.”
Mr. Pickwick's robust health finally gave way under the strain of the previous night's ordeals.
Establishes Pickwick's physical vulnerability after the adventure, setting up his convalescence.
“Once upon a time, in a very small country town, at a considerable distance from London, there lived a little man named Nathaniel Pipkin, who was the parish clerk of the little town, and lived in a little house in the little High Street, within ten minutes' walk from the little church; and who was to be found every day, from nine till four, teaching a little learning to the little boys.”
The story begins with Nathaniel Pipkin, a humble parish clerk and schoolteacher in a tiny, remote village.
Opens the inset tale with a fairy-tale tone, emphasizing Pipkin's insignificance and routine life.
“Old Lobbs gave it one tug, and open it flew, disclosing Nathaniel Pipkin standing bolt upright inside, and shaking with apprehension from head to foot.”
Old Lobbs yanked open the closet door, revealing Nathaniel Pipkin trembling inside.
Climactic moment of the farce, where Pipkin's secret is exposed to the furious father.