Martin Chuzzlewit · Chapter
Mr. Pecksniff's Design explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Pecksniff observes the mental and physical decline of old Martin Chuzzlewit and resolves to secure his fortune for himself. He considers marrying Mary Graham to further his scheme, and begins to manipulate old Martin into moving into his house. Meanwhile, Charity Pecksniff announces her intention to leave for London, leaving Tom Pinch bewildered.
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 Rising action.
- 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
Pecksniff rationalizes his manipulative schemes as kindness and moral duty.
- Greed and Corruption
Pecksniff's desire to secure old Martin's fortune drives his deceitful actions.
- Deception and Trust
Pecksniff deceives both old Martin and Mary Graham to further his own interests.
Characters to notice
- Seth Pecksniff
Plots to secure old Martin's fortune and considers marrying Mary Graham.
- Old Martin Chuzzlewit
Shows signs of mental and physical decline; is manipulated by Pecksniff.
- Mary Graham
The object of Pecksniff's matrimonial designs; distressed by his advances.
- Charity Pecksniff
Plans to leave for London, hinting at a secret; parts amicably with Tom Pinch.
- Tom Pinch
Bewildered by Charity's announcement and remains devoted to the Pecksniff family.
Key passages
“from that hour his character seemed to have modified by regular degrees, and to have softened down into a dull indifference for almost everyone but Mr. Pecksniff.”
From that moment, his personality gradually changed, becoming a listless apathy toward nearly everyone except Mr. Pecksniff.
Describes old Martin's decline and growing dependence on Pecksniff.
“Then, said Mr. Pecksniff, 'what if I married her!'”
Then Mr. Pecksniff thought, 'What if I were to marry her!'
Pecksniff's scheme to marry Mary Graham to secure old Martin's fortune.
“I have arranged to go, Papa, said Charity, tomorrow.”
Charity told her father she had made plans to leave the next day.
Charity announces her departure for London.
