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Chapter 22
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Pickwick Papers, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Male Friendship
Predatory Social Institutions
Social Class and Inequality
Marriage and Courtship
Generosity and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
The next morning, Mr. Weller sits in a room near the stableyard, preparing for his journey back to London. He is enjoying when Sam enters. Mr. Weller tells Sam that he is disappointed that Trotter was able to fool him. He tells Sam that no one should ever be able to get one over on him, except perhaps a widow. The two continue their banter, and Sam assures his father that it’s now his turn to seek revenge on Trotter. Before departing, Mr. Weller offers a final piece of advice to Sam: if he ever feels tempted to marry after 50, he should poison himself rather than go through with it.
The banter between Sam and his father offers a humorous yet insightful glimpse into their relationship, where affection is expressed through playful exchanges. Mr. Weller’s comment about widows reflects his personal experiences and a deep skepticism of remarriage, especially in old age. His humor serves as a defense mechanism, masking his frustrations with how his life has turned out.
Themes
Later, Sam strolls through the streets and finds himself in a quiet courtyard when he sees a man emerging from a garden. Though the man tries to disguise himself, Sam soon recognizes that it is Trotter. At first, when Sam calls out to Trotter, Trotter pretends not to hear him. However, Sam knows Trotter is merely pretending and aggressively approaches the man, demanding that they speak. In response, Trotter dramatically embraces Sam, bursting into tears and pretending to be overjoyed at their meeting.
This encounter emphasizes the performative nature of Trotter’s character, whose emotional outbursts serve as a mask for deceit. His attempt to evade recognition shows that he is aware of the consequences of his past actions and is trying to escape accountability. Sam’s assertive response proves once again his ability to see through pretense, making him a worthy opponent for Trotter.
Themes
Trotter claims he has been eager to see Sam again. In a suspiciously emotional display, he shares that he has left his former service with Jingle and is trying to start over. Sam, however, remains skeptical of Trotter’s sincerity and arranges to meet him later that evening to discuss matters further. After Trotter leaves, Sam goes back to Pickwick’s room and informs him that he has found Trotter.
Sam’s knows to remain skeptical, as he has learned that Trotter is not above using emotional manipulation to get what he wants. Sam returns to Pickwick immediately so that they can formulate a plan of their own—hopefully one that will put a stop to Jingle’s schemes once and for all.
Themes
