The Pickwick Papers · Chapter
In which Mr. Samuel Weller begins to devote his energies to the return match between himself and Mr. Trotter. explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Weller senior prepares for his journey to London, sharing advice and ale with his son Sam. After his father leaves, Sam wanders into a courtyard where he encounters Job Trotter, who attempts to disguise himself with grotesque grimaces. Sam sees through the disguise and confronts Trotter, who feigns joy at the reunion. Sam resolves to get even with Trotter for his earlier deception.
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
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it delivers the emotional and psychological peak of Sam Weller’…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Appearance
Job Trotter's elaborate facial contortions and feigned joy highlight the theme of disguise and deceit.
- Friendship and Loyalty
Tony Weller's concern for the family name and his advice to Sam underscore loyalty to family and reputation.
Characters to notice
- Sam Weller
Resolves to get revenge on Job Trotter for the earlier gammon.
- Tony Weller
Gives Sam paternal advice about marriage and the family name before departing for London.
- Job Trotter
Attempts to disguise himself with grimaces but is recognized by Sam.
Key passages
“Widders, Sammy, are 'ceptions to ev'ry rule. I have heerd how many ordinary women one widder's equal to, in pint o' comin' over you. I think it's five-and-twenty, but I don't rightly know vether it ain't more.”
Widows are exceptions to every rule. I've heard that one widow can outmaneuver twenty-five ordinary women, though I'm not sure if it's more.
Tony Weller's humorous warning about the persuasive power of widows.
“Pison yourself, Samivel, my boy, pison yourself, and you'll be glad on it arterwards.”
Poison yourself, Samivel, my boy, poison yourself, and you'll be glad of it afterwards.
Tony Weller's darkly comic advice to Sam about avoiding marriage by poisoning himself.
