Martin Chuzzlewit
What is Martin Chuzzlewit about?
Old Martin Chuzzlewit is a wealthy old man beset with health problems, who sees everyone around him—family, friends, and strangers—as after his money. He has isolated himself from society, keeping with him only a young woman, Mary, whom he raised as an orphan. He has told her she will inherit nothing from him, to ensure that her service is purely for service’s sake. Young Martin Chuzzlewit, for whom the novel is named, is the elder’s grandson. He loves his grandfather and is beloved by him, until young Martin and Mary fall in love with one another. Old Martin promptly disowns young Martin, and throws him out. Young Martin then signs on as an apprentice to a local architect, and there meets Tom Pinch, a former student who is now the architect’s dogsbody. The rest of the novel follows young Martin and Tom and the usual Dickensian cast of supporting characters on their adventures together and apart, including a disastrous trip to the United States for young Martin. The trip provides Dickens the opportunity to skewer American sensibilities as he had so often British ones.
Main themes in Martin Chuzzlewit
Selfishness and greed
Selfishness and greed emerges as a defining element in Martin Chuzzlewit, shaping character development.
Hypocrisy and pretension
Martin Chuzzlewit thoughtfully explores hypocrisy and pretension through its central conflicts.
America and national character
The theme of america and national character weaves through Martin Chuzzlewit, adding depth to its narrative.
Inheritance and family
The theme of inheritance and family weaves through Martin Chuzzlewit, adding depth to its narrative.
Why Martin Chuzzlewit is still relevant today
Martin Chuzzlewit's satire of American society provoked controversy when published and remains pointed today. Its examination of how self-interest corrupts individuals and nations speaks to perennial concerns about greed and hypocrisy. Mrs. Gamp became so famous that her name entered the language—a "gamp" meaning an umbrella. The novel's gallery of hypocrites and schemers demonstrates Dickens's unmatched ability to create memorable comic villains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martin Chuzzlewit about?
Martin Chuzzlewit follows a young man's journey from selfishness to maturity, including satirical adventures in America, while relatives scheme for his grandfather's inheritance back in England.
Why did Dickens satirize America?
Dickens visited America in 1842 and was disappointed by pirated editions of his books and what he saw as American hypocrisy about slavery and freedom. The novel reflects his disillusionment.
Who is Mrs. Gamp?
Sairey Gamp is a drunken monthly nurse whose mangled English and references to her imaginary friend Mrs. Harris made her one of Dickens's most beloved comic creations.
Who is Pecksniff?
Seth Pecksniff is an architect who takes credit for his students' work while preaching morality. He embodies the hypocrisy Dickens attacks throughout the novel.
Is Martin Chuzzlewit underrated?
Though less famous than some Dickens novels, Martin Chuzzlewit contains brilliant comic characters and sharp social satire. Its American sections remain controversial but fascinating.