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Chapter 51
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
When Arabella learns from Pickwick about the unsuccessful outcome of his visit to Birmingham, she is overcome with guilt, feeling responsible for the rift between Winkle and Winkle Sr. However, Pickwick assures her that it is not her fault and that Winkle Sr. will probably come around. He also says that, if necessary, he would be more than willing to help them financially. This causes Arabella to burst into fresh sobs of gratitude. Pickwick consoles her, suggesting they wait a few more days to see if Winkle Sr. responds.
Pickwick’s effort to console Arabella demonstrates his understanding of the emotional burden she carries. He frames Winkle Sr.’s disapproval not as her fault but as an obstacle that will eventually soften, reminding her that she cannot always help how others feel. Offering financial help adds to Pickwick’s image as a selfless figure, who steps in when others falter.
Themes
The next morning at Gray’s Inn, Pickwick meets Lowten, who offers some updates on Jingle. Lowten explains that arrangements have been made for Jingle to go to Demerara and start fresh. Trotter has insisted on accompanying him, even though he was offered a decent job in London. Lowten scoffs at Trotter’s decision to stick with Jingle out of loyalty, though Pickwick admires it.
Pickwick’s admiration for Trotter’s loyalty to Jingle contrasts with Lowten’s cynical dismissal of it. This moment highlights Pickwick’s tendency to see value in devotion, no matter how misplaced or unconventional it may seem. His respect for their bond suggests that, for him, human connection always outweighs practical gain.
Themes
Soon after, Perker arrives confirming that all is arranged for Jingle and Trotter to leave that evening. Jingle and Trotter themselves soon appear, cleanly dressed and thankful for Pickwick’s help. Perker explains that Jingle’s debts have been settled and his passage secured, but he insists that Jingle’s future support will be tied to his own good conduct. Jingle gratefully accepts this condition, while Trotter promises to see that Jingle repays Pickwick for his generosity if he survives the tropical climate of Demerara. Before leaving, Jingle expresses his profound gratitude to Pickwick, who in turn advises him to avoid trouble in the future. Perker, though skeptical of the likelihood of permanent reformation, acknowledges the worthiness of Pickwick’s charitable actions regardless of the outcome.
Jingle and Trotter’s departure marks a bittersweet conclusion to their subplot, with Pickwick’s generosity illustrating his belief in redemption, even if others do not share his optimism. Pickwick understands that the success of Jingle’s new start is uncertain, but he supports the attempt, valuing effort over outcome. At the very least, Pickwick has done a good thing by setting aside his own prejudices and returning freedom to two men who have caused him a great deal of trouble in the past. It is this selflessness that ultimately defines Pickwick and makes him the moral center of the novel.
Themes
As Jingle and Trotter depart, Pickwick shares his concerns with Perker about Winkle’s estrangement from Winkle Sr. Perker advises giving Winkle Sr. another week to cool down. He suggests that if the father doesn’t relent, then Winkle should introduce him to Arabella in person. Pickwick and Perker’s conversation is interrupted when Dodson and Fogg show up and present Pickwick with a bill for legal costs amounting to over £130. Pickwick, seething with indignation at their impudence, restrains himself with difficulty.
Despite his concerns about the legal system, Pickwick ultimately values Perker’s advice. Although Perker sometimes has to take a pragmatic approach to his job, which upsets Pickwick’s idealism, he ultimately seems like a good man—especially compared to Dodson and Fogg, who try to take one last stab at exploiting Pickwick. Pickwick immediately grows furious at the injustice of the situation.
Themes
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After paying the bill, Pickwick finally unleashes his fury, calling the pair “mean, rascally, pettifogging robbers.” Dodson and Fogg threaten legal action in response to his insults as Perker shows them the door. Once the confrontation is over, Perker praises Pickwick for finally venting his anger. Pickwick feels relieved and ties up all his loose ends with Perker, eager to get on with his life.
Again, Dodson and Fogg demonstrate that they are utterly shameless, trying to extract even more money out of Pickwick as they are shown the door. Luckily, this is the last Pickwick will see of the two men. Much like Stiggins—the other irredeemable figure in the novel—they are gone from Pickwick’s life forever.
Themes
