The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
Chapter XVIII explained
The Pickwickians remain in Eatanswill after Mrs.
What happens
The Pickwickians remain in Eatanswill after Mrs. Hunter's breakfast. Mr. Winkle stays with Mr. Pott, who suddenly accuses him of being a 'serpent' after a newspaper publishes a libelous poem. Mr. Pickwick, having recovered from his adventure with Jingle, plans to return to London with Sam. They meet old Wardle, who invites them to a Christmas wedding between Trundle and Isabella. Mr. Pickwick laments the trouble his followers seem to bring into households, and Sam delivers a letter to him.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Mr. Pott's sudden accusation of Winkle as a 'serpent' and the libelous poem illustrate how appearances and trust can be shattered by hidden motives and false representations.
Social Class and Manners
The interactions between the Pickwickians and the Pott household, as well as Wardle's invitation to a wedding, underscore the social rituals and class dynamics of the period.
Characters to notice
- Nathaniel Winkle
Stays at Mr. Pott's house and is accused of being a 'serpent' after a libelous poem appears in the Independent.
- Mr. Pott
Furious with Winkle over a poem in the Independent, but later reconciles and bids him farewell.
- Samuel Pickwick
Recovers from his adventure with Jingle, plans to return to London, and laments the trouble his followers cause.
- Sam Weller
Arranges travel for Pickwick and himself, muses on Pickwick's interest in Mrs. Bardell, and delivers a letter.
- Mr. Wardle
Meets the Pickwickians at the Angel, invites them to a Christmas wedding for Trundle and Isabella.
- Tracy Tupman
Embarrassed by Wardle's mention of Rachael, but is reassured.
Key passages
“Serpent, Sir! Serpent, Mr. Pott! What can you mean, Sir?—this is pleasantry.”
Winkle is shocked and confused by Pott's sudden hostility, thinking it might be a joke.
Winkle's disbelief at being called a serpent reflects the abrupt shift from friendship to accusation.
“I have just been telling Pickwick that we must have you all down at Christmas. We're going to have a wedding—a real wedding this time.”
Wardle announces a genuine wedding between Trundle and Isabella, inviting the Pickwickians to celebrate at Christmas.
Wardle's invitation sets up the upcoming Christmas festivities and contrasts with earlier romantic misadventures.