The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
Chapter XXVI explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Pickwick returns to London after exposing Jingle, and sends Sam Weller to Mrs. Bardell's to give notice and pay rent. Sam's visit reveals the sharp practices of Dodson & Fogg, and Mr. Pickwick learns that a breach of promise trial is imminent.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
The chapter highlights the perceived injustice of the breach of promise suit against Mr. Pickwick, driven by the sharp practices of Dodson & Fogg.
Deception and Appearance
Mrs. Bardell and her friends present a facade of victimhood while enjoying their supper, and Sam observes the gap between appearance and reality.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pickwick
Returns to London and sends Sam to Mrs. Bardell's to arrange removal of his belongings.
- Sam Weller
Visits Mrs. Bardell's house, delivers notice and rent, and gathers information about Dodson & Fogg's tactics.
- Mrs. Bardell
Receives Sam's visit, appears agitated, and discusses the impending legal action with her friends.
- Mrs. Cluppins
One of Mrs. Bardell's friends present during Sam's visit; expresses indignation at Mr. Pickwick.
- Mrs. Sanders
Another friend of Mrs. Bardell, curious and supportive during Sam's visit.
- Master Bardell
Opens the door for Sam and is thumped by his mother for his trouble.
Key passages
“Having accomplished the main end and object of his journey, by the exposure of Jingle, Mr. Pickwick resolved on immediately returning to London, with the view of becoming acquainted with the proceedings which had been taken against him, in the meantime, by Messrs. Dodson and Fogg.”
After successfully exposing Jingle, Mr. Pickwick decides to go back to London to learn what legal steps Dodson and Fogg have taken against him.
Sets up the legal conflict that dominates the chapter.
“I have no objection, Sam, to your endeavouring to ascertain how Mrs. Bardell herself seems disposed towards me, and whether it is really probable that this vile and groundless action is to be carried to extremity.”
Mr. Pickwick allows Sam to discreetly find out Mrs. Bardell's attitude and whether she intends to pursue the lawsuit.
Shows Pickwick's hope for a resolution and his reliance on Sam's resourcefulness.
“Mr. Weller wended his way back to the George and Vulture, and faithfully recounted to his master, such indications of the sharp practice of Dodson & Fogg, as he had contrived to pick up in his visit to Mrs. Bardell's.”
Sam returns to the inn and tells Mr. Pickwick what he learned about Dodson and Fogg's cunning methods.
Confirms the legal threat and the unscrupulousness of the lawyers.