The Pickwick Papers - chapters 56-57

The Pickwick Papers - chapters 56 - 57


Installment 20 of 20, in The Pickwick Papers 180th Anniversary Read Along hosted by On Bookes. This installment comes in November, just as Dickens’ twentieth and final installment was published.



Last month, as I anticipated the final two chapters, I wondered if Dickens would contrive some poetic justice for the scoundrel lawyers Dodson and Fogg, how he would sew up the remaining loose end – the rift between Winkle’s father and Winkle over the younger Winkle’s marriage, and if perhaps Tupman might not also find a wife.

The final two chapters are both quite brief.

Chapter 56 – Pickwick’s valet, Sam Weller and his father Tony Weller call on Pickwick to request Pickwick, act as steward of Tony’s small fortune that he inherited with the passing of his wife. Pickwick is at first reluctant, but eventually agrees, presumably upon hearing of the inept plans of Tony Weller. Pickwick and Tony also discuss Pickwick’s plans to see Sam and Mary married. The two elder gentlemen agree to the union but Sam resolutely confirms he will not submit, such is his loyalty and intention to serve as Mr. Pickwick’s valet to the end of time. The chapter concludes with the happy event of Mr. Winkle’s father arriving to question young Arabella and eventually give his blessing to the marriage that has already taken place.

Chapter 57 – In which Dickens ties up the few remaining loose ends. Winkle and father, and wife/daughter-in-law are happily reconciled. Snodgrass and Emily are married, with the blessing of Mr. Wardle, which was not much in question last month. The Pickwick club is dissolved. Pickwick moves to a new house, with Sam as Valet, of course, an elderly woman as housekeeper, with Mary in service as well. The elderly woman eventually passes away, and Pickwick promotes Mary to the vacant post, with the one provision that she and Sam be wed immediately. They willingly agree and have two children. Tupman remains a confirmed bachelor.

Dickens does his readers the favor of describing the fate of some of the other principals as well. Mr. Jingles and Job Trotter become “worthy members of society” having been given a good start by Pickwick. Ben Allen and Bob Sawyer serve in India, and Mrs. Bardell continues her livelihood as a landlady, but never again brings a breach of promise suit.

Everything is nice and tidy. I was mistaken thinking that Dickens would visit some justice upon the heads of Messrs. Dodson and Fogg. It seems their come uppance was the dressing down delivered by Mr. Pickwick last month.

The dear Mr. Pickwick settles into a quiet and leisurely life and is respected and adored by the humble people of his neighborhood. The reader has always known that Pickwick is a good and charitable soul. He is the implied benefactor of any unfortunates in his neighborhood.

The End.

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