# Chapter XXVI explained — The Pickwick Papers

> Chapter companion for The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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