Martin Chuzzlewit is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in serial form between 1842 and 1844. The novel tells the story of Martin Chuzzlewit, a young man who inherits a large fortune from his grandfather, but is tricked into squandering it by his unscrupulous relatives. Along the way, he meets a cast of memorable and colorful characters who help him navigate the complexities of life and come to understand the true value of family and friendship.
One of the main characters in Martin Chuzzlewit is, of course, the eponymous Martin himself. He is a young man of good character, but is often naive and easily swayed by those around him. Despite this, he possesses a strong sense of justice and is determined to right the wrongs done to him by his scheming relatives.
Another major character in the novel is Martin's grandfather, old Martin Chuzzlewit. He is a wealthy and miserly man who is deeply mistrustful of his relatives and refuses to leave them his fortune until he sees that they have changed their ways. Old Martin is a complex character, and his actions and motivations are a driving force behind much of the plot of the novel.
There are also a number of other interesting and memorable characters in Martin Chuzzlewit. Tom Pinch is a kind and good-natured man who works as a clerk for old Martin, and is deeply loyal to both Martin and his sister Ruth. Ruth is a strong and independent woman who is deeply in love with Tom, and stands by him through thick and thin.
Another notable character is Jonas Chuzzlewit, Martin's cousin and a greedy and dishonest man who will stop at nothing to get his hands on Martin's fortune. Jonas is a cunning and manipulative character who is ultimately brought down by his own greed and wickedness.
Finally, there is Mark Tapley, a young man who travels with Martin and serves as his loyal companion throughout the novel. Mark is a cheerful and optimistic character who helps to lighten the mood in difficult times and brings a sense of humor to the story.
In conclusion, the characters of Martin Chuzzlewit are a diverse and well-developed cast that bring depth and richness to the novel. From the cunning and scheming Jonas, to the kind and good-natured Tom, each character adds something unique to the story and helps to drive the plot forward in their own way.
Martin Chuzzlewit Character Analysis
Put in a nutshell, it is about greed and selfishness. From now on, he actually planned the events in the story beforehand. For Dickens he embodies the unsympathetic qualities of the utilitarian social philosophy prevalent in Victorian England. But she is wholly and entirely dependent upon the pleasure of my grandfather; and if he were to know that she favoured my passion, she would lose her home and everything she possesses in the world. Years before Martin senior took the precaution of raising an orphaned girl, Mary Graham, to be his companion and nursemaid, with the understanding that she will receive income from him only as long as Martin senior lives. At the time of writing Dickens was convinced that Martin Chuzzlewit was his best book amongst the lesser works which preceded it were such mediocre tomes as the Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby.
Martin Chuzzlewit Chapter Summaries
Who could ever forget Mrs Sairey Gamp, the booze-addicted midwife-cum-nurse who has her own mode of speech or idiolect? Instead of teaching his students he lives off their tuition fees and has them do draughting work that he passes off as his own. Unfortunately the Victorian public did not agree with him, and its reputation as a minor work continues to this day. Dickens fools us into thinking there is a plot when there isn't one. Soon after he leaves Pecksniff, Westlock comes into his inheritance, and he lives in London. He and his son, Jonas, run a business together called Chuzzlewit and Son. The last date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. They are both self-serving, hardened individuals who view the accumulation of money as the most important thing in life.
Martin Chuzzlewit (1964 TV series)
He then abruptly declares to Pecksniff that he wants to marry Merry and jilts Cherry, not without demanding an additional £1,000 on top of the £4,000 that Pecksniff has promised him as Cherry's dowry, with the argument that Cherry has better chances for matchmaking. He says he gave a "satirical" view of the US but guys, Dickens basically mocks America and Americans and it's honestly the best thing. Three stars compared with CD's other novels because in truth this is quite an unconvincing mess. He goes quietly int. First of all, there is a fiendish antagonist — a slick and nefarious charlatan… Perhaps there never was a more moral man than Mr Pecksniff, especially in his conversation and correspondence. Yet even now Dickens had not yet written his truly great novels; they were yet to come. Mr and Mrs Spottletoe are the nephew-in-law and niece of old Martin Chuzzlewit, Mrs Spottletoe being the daughter of old Martin's brother.
