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Chapter 54
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
Pickwick sits alone, contemplating how best to secure a stable future for Sam and Mary While lost in thought, Mary enters the room hurriedly and informs him that Mr. Weller is downstairs and requests a meeting. Pickwick grants permission, and Mary, noticeably flustered, quickly leaves. As Pickwick reflects on Sam’s loyalty and the inevitability of those around him forming new lives, a knock at the door interrupts him. He invites Sam and Mr. Weller in, exchanging pleasantries before Mr. Weller asks for a moment of Pickwick’s time.
At this point, seemingly everyone is getting married, and Pickwick wants to ensure that his most loyal friend and servant also ends up happy. Pickwick is observant and knows how Mary feels about Sam, so he tries to do what he can to facilitate their romance. However, before he can make any final determinations, the very person he wishes to help coincidentally comes to pay him a visit.
Themes
After some initial fumbling, Mr. Weller eventually reveals the purpose of their visit. He explains that he has withdrawn £530 from the bank, which, combined with the value of his house and business, totals £1,180. Concerned about the safety of the money, Mr. Weller requests that Pickwick take charge of it, fearing he might otherwise lose it through unwise decisions. After some back and forth, Pickwick tries to refuse the money, but Mr. Weller insists. Finally, Pickwick agrees to hold the funds, much to Mr. Weller’s relief. With the business settled, Pickwick turns to Sam’s father for advice on an entirely different matter.
Mr. Weller’s request for Pickwick to manage his savings reflects his trust and deference, contrasting with his otherwise independent and stubborn character. He knows that Pickwick can handle money better than him, and he trusts Pickwick to do what is best by himself and Sam. Pickwick feels uncomfortable with the demand, which is exactly why Mr. Weller chose him in the first place—it is a great responsibility and Pickwick is the most responsible person he knows.
Themes
Pickwick inquires whether Mr. Weller has noticed Mary and asks what he thinks of her. After Mr. Weller gives a favorable assessment, Pickwick reveals that Mary is in love with Sam—and that Sam (who has stepped out of the room) reciprocates her feelings. Mr. Weller, initially skeptical of the situation given his general distrust of women, softens when Pickwick tells him that Mary is not a widow. Additionally, Pickwick tells Mr. Weller that he wants to help Sam and Mary set up a promising life together.
The conversation between Pickwick and Mr. Weller brings up Mr. Weller’s guarded attitude toward women, especially widows. However, Pickwick reassures Mr. Weller that Sam’s life need not go the same way, so long as he has the right partner. Because Mr. Weller trusts Pickwick, he ultimately goes along with the plan, setting his own prejudices aside.
Themes
Sam is called back into the room, and Pickwick explains his intentions to help him marry Mary and secure a stable future. However, Sam surprises both his father and Pickwick by refusing the offer, citing concern for Pickwick’s well-being. Sam insists that his duty is to remain by Pickwick’s side, believing that his master still has adventures ahead. Mr. Weller supports Sam’s decision, and Pickwick similarly respects his choice.
Sam’s refusal to accept Pickwick’s offer is the ultimate display of loyalty. As much as Sam likes Mary, he prefers to always be by Pickwick’s side, something he would not be able to do if he were married. Unlike other characters in the novel who try to control the romantic lives of their friends and family, Pickwick trusts Sam’s judgment and does not try to persuade him otherwise.
Themes
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Meanwhile, a mysterious old gentleman arrives at the inn and discreetly asks for Arabella. He bribes the waiter to lead him to her room unannounced. Upon entering, the old man questions Arabella about her marriage to Winkle, accusing her of not seeking the consent of her husband’s father. In response, Arabella tearfully admits her faults. Her distress softens the old man’s tone, and he begins to express a kinder, more understanding attitude. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that the old man is Winkle Sr. Just as Arabella explains how Winkle is distressed over the lack of communication with his father, Winkle himself enters the room. At first, Winkle thinks his father has come to berate him. However, when Winkle proudly stands by Arabella and asserts his love for her, Winkle Sr. softens and forgives his son.
The unexpected arrival of Winkle Sr. threatens to disrupt the newly formed marriage between Winkle and Arabella. His initial sternness reflects his frustration with his son’s disobedience, but Arabella’s vulnerability softens his resolve, bridging the divide between them. Winkle’s arrival is a pivotal moment where he must prove his commitment to Arabella. His willingness to confront his father marks his growth from a hesitant young man into a confident husband. Ultimately, Winkle Sr. respects what he sees from both Arabella and Winkle, which is why he puts his seal of approval on the marriage.
Themes
Winkle fetches Pickwick to bear witness to the scene. Pickwick and Winkle Sr. shake hands, and Winkle Sr. expresses his gratitude for all the kindness Pickwick has shown his son. The evening concludes with mutual apologies, compliments, and a sense of harmony restored. As the day winds down, Sam encounters Joe. Joe, feeling unusually talkative, mentions how much he likes Mary. Sam responds by giving him a harmless kick and sending him on his way.
The handshake between Pickwick and Winkle Sr. is a symbolic gesture of closure, reaffirming the trust and goodwill that has been restored within the group. Winkle Sr.’s gratitude toward Pickwick acknowledges the importance of Pickwick’s guidance, as Pickwick essentially functions as a secondary father figure for Winkle.
Themes
