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Chapter 28 (2)
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
On Christmas morning, Sam enters Pickwick’s room to deliver warm water, and they exchange some light banter about the frosty weather. Sam informs Pickwick that two medical students, Bob Sawyer and Benjamin Allen, are downstairs, smoking cigars and drinking brandy. Sam says the students are lounging in the kitchen, opening oysters, and aimlessly tossing the shells at Joe, who is fast asleep by the fire.
The students’ irreverent behavior contrasts with the more reserved demeanor of Pickwick, though Pickwick is always up for getting to know new people. Although Bob and Ben do not turn out to be especially cruel young men, their behavior toward Joe indicates their perceived sense of superiority, as they treat like a sort of plaything.
Themes
At breakfast, Pickwick meets the two students. Benjamin is the brother of Arabella Allen, who is also staying with the Wardles, and Bob is Benjamin’s close friend. Throughout the meal, the students joke about their work in dissection, to Pickwick’s mild discomfort, particularly when Bob casually discusses dissecting a child’s leg. The arrival of the ladies, including Arabella, creates tension, as Bob greets Arabella flirtatiously, much to the dismay of Winkle, who has become romantically interested in Arabella over the last few days.
The students’ professional detachment clashes with social decorum, making Pickwick uncomfortable, even as he also seems morbidly curious. Bob’s flirtation with Arabella introduces a layer of romantic competition, with Winkle’s growing interest in her setting up an emotional conflict. Dickens juxtaposes the romance in this section with the morbid scientific conversations as a source of humor.
Themes
Despite the awkwardness, Pickwick and Wardle work to maintain the group’s cheerful atmosphere. After breakfast, the party heads to church, where Benjamin quickly falls asleep and Bob carves his name into the pew. After a hearty lunch, Wardle suggests they go skating. Everyone is enthusiastic, but Winkle hesitates, claiming to be out of practice. Arabella encourages Winkle, and although he tries to make more excuses, eventually everyone forces him to come along. The group heads to the ice, and Bob impresses everyone with his skill.
Pickwick’s effort to maintain cheer reinforces his role as peacekeeper of his group, determined to maintain harmony despite underlying tensions. The church scene, with Benjamin asleep and Bob defacing the pew, contrasts the sacred space with the irreverent behavior of the students, who have no respect for tradition. Meanwhile, the introduction of skating all but ensures that Winkle’s identity as a sportsman is about to get once again exposed.
Themes
Winkle, however, struggles mightily. With Sam’s help, he manages to strap on his skates, but as soon as he stands up, he loses his balance. Sam tries to steady him, but Winkle can barely stay upright. When Sam is called away, Winkle crashes into Bob, knocking both of them down. Winkle, clearly embarrassed and hurt, refuses help for anyone. Pickwick, realizing what is going on, tells Sam to remove Winkle’s skates before anyone else gets hurt.
Indeed, Winkle once again proves not only that is he not a great sportsman, but also that he can barely function as soon as any athletic skill is required of someone. Seeing that Winkle is about to hurt himself or someone else, Pickwick forces himself to wound Winkle’s pride and take him off the ice. Although Winkle does not like the decision, it is likely the best choice for everyone involved.
Themes
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After, Sam and Joe spend some time sliding around on the ice. Pickwick, feeling envious, decides to join in. After some initial hesitation, he slides along with the others, delighting in the experience. However, the fun is cut short when the ice cracks, and Pickwick falls through into the freezing water. There is a brief panic, but Pickwick emerges safely, albeit soaked and cold. The group rushes him back to the house, where the women wrap him in shawls and Sam escorts him to bed. The next morning, Pickwick wakes up in good spirits, unaffected by his icy plunge. The group prepares to part ways, but before leaving, Bob invites Pickwick and his friends to a gathering at his lodgings in London. Meanwhile, Winkle and Snodgrass say goodbye to the women they have been spending time with. Afterward, the Pickwickians head back to London.
Pickwick’s decision to join the others on the ice sees him staying connected with youthful joy, even at the risk of physical discomfort. His willingness to step out of his usual role and embrace the fun reflects his openness to new experiences. Although the moment with the cracking ice is frightening, everyone works together as a group to ensure Pickwick’s safety. Even at his age, Pickwick ends up being just fine, which is a testament both to how he takes care of himself and to the support system he has around him. Once again, saying goodbye to Winkles is a bittersweet moment, especially for Winkle and Snodgrass, who are trying to progress their romantic relationships.
Themes
