The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
Chapter XXXI explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Pickwick, accompanied by his solicitor Mr. Perker, meets with Serjeant Snubbin, the barrister retained for his defense in the Bardell breach of promise case. Snubbin is dismissive and abstracted, assigning the junior Mr. Phunky to handle Mr. Pickwick. Meanwhile, Mr. Jackson from Dodson and Fogg serves subpoenas on Snodgrass, Tupman, Winkle, and Sam Weller to testify for the plaintiff. Mr. Pickwick declares to Perker his unalterable determination to pay no damages if the verdict goes against him.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
Mr. Pickwick's insistence on his innocence and his refusal to pay damages highlight the tension between legal process and personal justice.
Deception and Appearance
The legal maneuvering by Dodson and Fogg, including subpoenaing Pickwick's friends, underscores the theme of appearance versus reality in the courtroom.
Characters to notice
- Samuel Pickwick
Visits Serjeant Snubbin with Perker, asserts his innocence, and later declares he will pay no damages to Dodson and Fogg.
- Mr. Perker
Mr. Pickwick's solicitor, who has retained Serjeant Snubbin and discusses the legal strategy for the upcoming trial.
- Serjeant Snubbin
The haughty barrister retained for Pickwick's defense; he is abstracted and dismissive, assigning Mr. Phunky to handle the client.
- Mr. Phunky
A nervous young junior barrister assigned to assist Serjeant Snubbin in the case.
- Mr. Jackson
Clerk from Dodson and Fogg who serves subpoenas on Snodgrass, Tupman, Winkle, and Sam Weller.
- Sam Weller
Mr. Pickwick's servant, served with a subpoena by Jackson; he responds with characteristic wit.
Key passages
“I am innocent of the falsehood laid to my charge; and although I am very well aware of the inestimable value of your assistance, Sir, I must beg to add, that unless you sincerely believe this, I would rather be deprived of the aid of your talents than have the advantage of them.”
Mr. Pickwick tells Serjeant Snubbin that he is innocent and would rather not have his legal help if Snubbin does not believe him.
Mr. Pickwick's principled stance on his innocence.
“I beg to announce to you my unalterable determination to pay no damages whatever. None, Perker. Not a pound, not a penny of my money, shall find its way into the pockets of Dodson and Fogg.”
Mr. Pickwick firmly declares to Perker that he will not pay any damages to Dodson and Fogg, even if the verdict goes against him.
Mr. Pickwick's defiant refusal to compensate the plaintiffs.