The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
How the Pickwickians made and cultivated the acquaintance of a couple of nice young men belonging to one of the liberal professions; how they disported themselves on the ice; and how their visit came to a conclusion. explained
On Christmas morning, Mr.
What happens
On Christmas morning, Mr. Pickwick meets two medical students, Benjamin Allen and Bob Sawyer, at Dingley Dell. After breakfast and church, the party goes ice-skating. Mr. Winkle, who had falsely claimed to skate, is exposed as a humbug by Mr. Pickwick after a clumsy fall. Mr. Pickwick then joins in the sliding fun, enjoying the winter sport with the whole company.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Mr. Winkle pretends to be an experienced skater but is quickly exposed as a fraud, highlighting the theme of false appearances.
Friendship and Loyalty
Mr. Pickwick's firm but caring rebuke of Winkle, followed by the group's joyful sliding, underscores the bonds of friendship.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pickwick
Hosts the Christmas morning breakfast, exposes Winkle's deception, and joyfully joins the ice sliding.
- Sam Weller
Announces the arrival of the 'sawbones' and demonstrates fancy-sliding on the ice.
- Nathaniel Winkle
Falsely claims to skate, falls awkwardly, and is publicly called a 'humbug' by Mr. Pickwick.
- Benjamin Allen
Medical student and brother of Arabella, arrives with Bob Sawyer, eager to dissect and bleed.
- Bob Sawyer
Medical student and friend of Allen, joins the breakfast and skating, collides with Winkle.
- Mr. Wardle
Hosts the Christmas festivities, encourages ice skating and sliding, participates energetically.
Key passages
“You're a humbug, sir.”
You are a fraud, sir.
Mr. Pickwick confronts Mr. Winkle after his skating deception.
“Keep the pot a-bilin', Sir!”
Keep up the momentum, sir!
Sam Weller encourages Mr. Pickwick during the ice sliding.