Martin Chuzzlewit · Character

Poll Sweedlepipe

A barber and bird-fancier who is a friend of Mrs. Gamp.

minor

Also known as Sweedlepipe, Poll, poor Poll, Mr. Sweedlepipe, Paul Sweedlepipe, Paul, Mr. Sweedlepipes

First appearance: xvii

Poll Sweedlepipe shows up with force in An Unexpected Meeting, and a Promising Prospect. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Introduced as a barber and bird-fancier, landlord to Mrs.

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In An Unexpected Meeting, and a Promising Prospect: Introduced as a barber and bird-fancier, landlord to Mrs. Gamp; a meek, bird-like man who goes to fetch his lodger from Jonas Chuzzlewit's house. Later, in Showing…

In An Unexpected Meeting, and a Promising Prospect: Introduced as a barber and bird-fancier, landlord to Mrs. Gamp; a meek, bird-like man who goes to fetch his lodger from Jonas Chuzzlewit's house.

Later, in 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.: Mentioned as a friend of Bailey, to whom Bailey had hinted about his adventures.

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See Poll Sweedlepipe in xvii

Character Web

20 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Minor London Figures
Central Chuzzlewit Circle
Extended Cast and Servants

+15 more in the full Character Web

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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…

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In the story

Poll Sweedlepipe appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

An Unexpected Meeting, and a Promising Prospect
Introduced as a barber and bird-fancier, landlord to Mrs. Gamp; a meek, bird-like man who goes to fetch his lodger from Jonas Chuzzlewit's house.
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.
Mentioned as a friend of Bailey, to whom Bailey had hinted about his adventures.
Chapter XXIX
Shaves Bailey, then goes with him and Mrs. Gamp to the Bull, observing Lewsome with great interest.
Secret Service
Hosts Nadgett's visits to his barber shop and discusses him with Mrs. Gamp.
XLIX
The barber who interrupts the quarrel and escorts the gentlemen into Mrs. Gamp's room.

Chapter companion notes

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See Poll Sweedlepipe in xvii

See Poll Sweedlepipe in An Unexpected Meeting, and a Promising Prospect