The Pickwick Papers - chapters 53 - 55
Installment 19 of 20, in the Pickwick Papers 180th Anniversary Read Along hosted by On Bookes. This installment comes in October, just as Dickens’ nineteenth installment was published.
Chapter 53 – Begins with Mr. Pickwick
going to the office of his attorney, Mr. Perker, to settle affairs – primarily
firming up arrangements for Mr. Jingles and Job Trotter. Pickwick, being a
genuinely kind-hearted fellow has arranged their release from debtor’s prison,
and further arranged passage and livelihood for the pair in the West Indies. Rather
awkwardly, Messrs. Dodson and Fogg, who represented the widow Bardell in her
breach of promise suit against Pickwick also arrive at Perker’s office to
settle affairs. Mr. Perker attempts to avoid the awkward situation by
suggesting Pickwick wait in the next room, but Pickwick chooses to remain and
is clearly seething as he suffers the presence and feigned good will of the
unscrupulous lawyers. As they prepare to leave, Pickwick signals that he
intends to address them – clearly intending to give them a piece of his mind.
Mr. Pickwick, attempting to call up a sneer for the first time in his life, and failing most signally in so doing. Says ‘Although I have long been anxious to tell you, in plain terms, what my opinion of you is, I should have let even this opportunity pass, in deference to my friend Perker’s wishes, but for the unwarrantable tone you have assumed, and your insolent familiarity. I say insolent familiarity, sir.’
And in summation calls them,
A well-matched pair of mean, rascally, pettifogging robbers.
Exit Dodson and Fogg
Chapter 54 – With Pickwick still at
Perker’s office, a new visitor arrives – Mr. Wardle, Pickwick’s old friend from
chapter 6. After some pleasantries, Wardle explains that he has heard of
Winkle’s marriage to Arabella, who was once in his employ, and announces
another secret romance that has been transpiring – namely his daughter Emily
and Mr. Snodgrass. Wardle has traveled to London, seemingly to ask Pickwick’s
advice on the matter as he says to him,
There now, Mr. Pickwick, if you can make it convenient to reduce your eyes to their usual size again, and to let me hear what you think we ought to do, I shall feel rather obliged to you!
Later at dinner, Snodgrass gets
himself into one of those awkward Pickwickian predicaments, by hiding, to avoid
a scene, and consequently locking himself into Mr. Wardle’s room. Mr. Wardle is
not in favor of the match between Snodgrass and his daughter – but he also
seems to be taking it somewhat lightheartedly – and in the end gives his
approval.
Chapter 55 – Sam Weller and his
father employ a lawyer to settle the will of the Elder Weller’s late wife. Sam
is provided with a nice sum bearing interest, while Weller Sr. cashes out –
still presumably intending to re-enter his previous profession as coachman.
There is only one installment, and
two chapters left and just about that many loose ends. I could be mistaken, but
I know Mr. Dicken’s love for poetic justice so I still expect something to
satisfy regarding Messrs. Dodson and Fogg. There is still the matter of
Winkle’s father, who has cut his son off, disapproving of his marriage. There
is one other development I half expect. With Winkle married, and Snodgrass
engaged, it leaves Tupman – not counting Mr. Pickwick himself of course – the
only Pickwickian not romantically entangled. Will there be a match for Tupman in the final chapters?
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