Martin Chuzzlewit · Chapter
VII explained
In this chapter, Chevy Slyme, a drunken and boastful relative of the Chuzzlewits, asserts his independence while wallowing in self-pity.
What happens
In this chapter, Chevy Slyme, a drunken and boastful relative of the Chuzzlewits, asserts his independence while wallowing in self-pity. Martin begins working at the grammar school with vigor, and Tom Pinch balances accounts. Mr. Tigg, acting as Slyme's agent, visits Tom and borrows half a sovereign under false pretenses. Mark Tapley announces his decision to leave for London in search of a more challenging service.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Dickens public…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Hypocrisy and Self-Deception
Chevy Slyme's drunken boasts of genius and persecution highlight his self-deception and hypocrisy.
- Deception and Trust
Mr. Tigg's smooth-talking and borrowing of money under false pretenses exemplifies deception.
- Social Class and Pretension
Slyme's pretensions to taste and family, despite his degraded state, underscore class pretensions.
Characters to notice
- Chevy Slyme
Found brooding over brandy, lamenting his miserable state and boasting of his rich uncle and good family.
- Tigg Montague
Acts as Chevy Slyme's agent, flatters Tom Pinch, and borrows half a sovereign from him.
- Tom Pinch
Works on accounts, is flattered by Martin's friendship, and lends money to Tigg.
- Martin Chuzzlewit
Begins work at the grammar school, whistles while drawing, and predicts lasting friendship with Tom.
- Mark Tapley
Announces his departure for London, seeking a challenging private service.
Key passages
“I am the most miserable man in the world, I believe!”
Chevy Slyme declares himself the most wretched person alive.
Slyme's self-pitying introduction to Tom and Martin.
“You are the American aloe of the human race, my dear Chiv, which only blooms once in a hundred years!”
Tigg flatters Slyme by comparing him to a rare plant that flowers only once a century.
Tigg's ironic praise of Slyme's supposed uniqueness.
“I was just a-saying, sir, that if one could live by it, that would be the sort of service for me. Waiting on such individuals as them would be better than grave-digging, sir.”
Mark remarks that serving people like Tigg and Slyme would be preferable to digging graves.
Mark's humorous assessment of the lowly service he seeks.
