The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
Samuel Weller makes a pilgrimage to Dorking, and beholds his mother-in-law explained
Sam Weller, feeling a sudden filial duty, obtains leave from Mr.
What happens
Sam Weller, feeling a sudden filial duty, obtains leave from Mr. Pickwick to visit his father in Dorking. He arrives at the Marquis of Granby, where he meets his mother-in-law and the red-nosed Mr. Stiggins, a deputy shepherd. Sam's father, Tony Weller, later shares his grievances about Stiggins's influence and the collection for the shepherd's water-rate, criticizing the hypocrisy of such charitable efforts.
Themes in this chapter
Charity and Benevolence
Tony Weller criticizes the hypocrisy of collecting money for missionary work abroad while neglecting local needs, highlighting the theme of misguided charity.
Deception and Appearance
Mr. Stiggins presents a pious front but is exposed as a hypocrite by Tony Weller, illustrating the gap between appearance and reality.
Characters to notice
- Sam Weller
Visits his father and mother-in-law in Dorking, displaying filial duty and sharp wit.
- Tony Weller
Sam's father, who complains about Mr. Stiggins and the collection for the shepherd's water-rate.
- Mrs. Weller
Sam's mother-in-law, who is involved with Mr. Stiggins and the chapel collection.
- Mr. Stiggins
The red-nosed deputy shepherd, who enjoys tea and toast while being criticized by Tony Weller.
- Samuel Pickwick
Grants Sam leave to visit his father, pleased with Sam's filial feelings.
Key passages
“I am very glad to see that you have so high a sense of your duties as a son, Sam”
Mr. Pickwick praises Sam for his filial devotion.
Shows Mr. Pickwick's approval of Sam's character.
“The worst o' these here shepherds is, my boy, that they reg'larly turns the heads of all the young ladies, about here.”
Tony Weller complains that the shepherds (preachers) deceive young women.
Highlights Tony's distrust of religious figures like Stiggins.