The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit

by Dickens, Charles; Slater, Michael (CON)

• ISBN13: 9780460873673
• ISBN10: 0460873679
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1994-12-01
• Publisher: Everymans Library

Summary

Young Martin's comic odyssey to the New World; the naive Tom Pinch's rite of passage from innocence to enlightenment; the smooth scheming of the arch hypocrite Pecksniff; the grotesque self-love of Mrs. Gamp; the increasingly-desperate machinations of murderous Jonas Chuzzlewit; all are portrayed with a typically Dickensian flair for unerringly accurate social satire and buoyantly extravagant characterization.

Table of Contents

Illustrations	xi
Note on the Author and Editor	xiii
Chronology of Dickens's Life and Times	xvi
Series Editor's Preface	xxiv
Introduction	xxv
Note on the Text	xxxvii
Dickens's Prefaces	xli
[Monthly Nos]
I
Introductory, concerning the pedigree of the Chuzzlewit family	3	(5)
Wherein certain persons are presented to the reader, with whom he may, if he please, become better acquainted	8	(17)
In which certain other persons are introduced; on the same terms as in the last chapter	25	(18)
II
From which it will appear that if union be strength, and family affection be pleasant to contemplate, the Chuzzlewits were the strongest and most agreeable family in the world	43	(19)
Containing a full account of the installation of Mr Pecksniff's new pupil into the bosom of Mr Pecksniff's family. With all the festivities held on that occasion, and the great enjoyment of Mr Pinch	62	(21)
III
Comprises, among other important matters, Pecksniffian and architectural, an exact relation of the progress made by Mr Pinch in the confidence and friendship of the new pupil	83	(15)
In which Mr Chevy Slyme asserts the independence of his spirit; and the Blue Dragon loses a limb	98	(14)
Accompanies Mr Pecksniff and his charming daughters to the City of London; and relates what fell out upon their way thither	112	(11)
IV
Town and Todgers's	123	(25)
Containing strange matter; on which many events in this history may, for their good or evil influence, chiefly depend	148	(15)
V
Wherein a certain gentleman becomes particular in his attentions to a certain lady; and more coming events than one, cast their shadows before	163	(21)
Will be seen in the long run, if not in the short one, to concern Mr Pinch and others, nearly. Mr Pecksniff asserts the dignity of outraged virtue. Young Martin Chuzzlewit forms a desperate resolution	184	(20)
VI
Showing what became of Martin and his desperate resolve after he left Mr Pecksniff's house; what persons he encountered; what anxieties he suffered; and what news he heard	204	(20)
In which Martin bids adieu to the lady of his love; and honours and obscure individual whose fortune he intends to make, by commending her to his protection	224	(11)
The burden whereof is, Hail, Columbia!	235	(9)
VII
Martin disembarks from that noble and fast-sailing line-of-packet ship, The Screw, at the port of New York, in the United States of America. He makes some acquaintances, and dines at a boarding-house. The particulars of those transactions	244	(21)
Martin enlarges his circle of acquaintance; increases his stock of wisdom; and has an excellent opportunity of comparing his own experiences with those of Lummy Ned of the Light Salisbury, as related by his friend Mr William Simmons	265	(19)
VIII
Does business with the house of Anthony Chuzzlewit and son, from which one of the partners retires unexpectedly	284	(11)
The reader is brought into communication with some professional persons, and sheds a tear over the filial piety of good Mr Jonas	295	(16)
Is a Chapter of Love	311	(13)
IX
More American experiences. Martin takes a partner, and makes a purchase. Some account of Eden, as it appeared on paper. Also of the British Lion. Also of the kind of sympathy professed and entertained by the Watertoast Association of United Sympathisers	324	(20)
From which it will be seen that Martin became a lion on his own account. Together with the reason why	344	(10)
Martin and his partner take possession of their estate. The joyful occasion involves some further account of Eden	354	(10)
X
Reports progress in certain homely matters of Love, Hatred, Jealousy, and Revenge	364	(16)
Is in part professional; and furnishes the reader with some valuable hints in relation to the management of a sick chamber	380	(15)
An unexpected meeting, and a promising prospect	395	(9)
XI
Showing that old friends may not only appear with new faces, but in false colours. That people are prone to bite; and that biters may sometimes be bitten	404	(21)
Mr Montague at home. And Mr Jonas Chuzzlewit at home	425	(10)
In which some people are precocious, others professional, and others mysterious: all in their several ways	435	(10)
XII
Proves that changes may be rung in the best-regulated families, and that Mr Pecksniff was a special hand at Triple-bob-major	445	(15)
Mr Pinch is discharged of a duty which he never owed to anybody; and Mr Pecksniff discharges a duty which he owes to society	460	(18)
Treats of Todgers's again; and of another blighted plant besides the plants upon the leads	478	(7)
XIII
Further proceedings in Eden, and proceeding out of it. Martin makes a discovery of some importance	485	(17)
In which the travellers move homeward, and encounter some distinguished characters upon the way	502	(15)
Arriving in England, Martin witnesses a ceremony, from which he derives the cheering information that he has not been forgotten in his absence	517	(8)
XIV
Tom Pinch departs to seek his fortune. What he finds at starting	525	(20)
Tom Pinch, going astray, finds that he is not the only person in that predicament. He retaliates upon a fallen foe	545	(10)
Secret service	555	(10)
XV
Containing some further particulars of the domestic economy of the Pinches; with strange news from the City, narrowly concerning Tom	565	(19)
The Pinches make a new acquaintance, and have fresh occasion for surprise and wonder	584	(14)
Mr Jonas and his friend, arriving at a pleasant understanding, set forth upon an enterprise	598	(8)
XVI
Continuation of the enterprise of Mr Jonas and his friend	606	(11)
Has an influence on the fortunes of several people. Mr Pecksniff is exhibited in the plenitude of power, and wields the same with fortitude and magnanimity	617	(21)
Further continuation of the enterprise of Mr Jonas and his friend	638	(8)
XVII
In which Tom Pinch and his sister take a little pleasure; but quite in a domestic way, and with no ceremony about it	646	(9)
In which Miss Pecksniff makes love, Mr Jonas makes wrath, Mrs Gamp makes tea, and Mr Chuffey makes business	655	(23)
Conclusion of the enterprise of Mr Jonas and his friend	678	(9)
XVIII
Bears tidings of Martin, and of Mark, as well as of a third person not quite unknown to the reader. Exhibits filial piety in an ugly aspect; and casts a doubtful ray of light upon a very dark place	687	(15)
In which Mrs Harris, assisted by a teapot, is the cause of a division between friends	702	(14)
Surprises Tom Pinch very much, and shows how certain confidences passed between him and his sister	716	(11)
XIX
Sheds new and brighter light upon the very dark place; and contains the sequel of the enterprise of Mr Jonas and his friend	727	(20)
In which the tables are turned completely upside down	747	(19)
What John Westlock said to Tom Pinch's sister; what Tom Pinch's sister said to John Westlock; what Tom Pinch said to both of them; and how they all passed the remainder of the day	766	(9)
Gives the author great concern. For it is the last in the book	775	(12)
Postscript	787	(2)
Notes	789	(23)
Appendix: The Cancelled Opening of Chapter 6	812	(6)
Dickens and his Critics	818	(8)
Suggestions for Further Reading	826	(2)
Text Summary	828