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Chapter 55
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Pickwick Papers, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Male Friendship
Predatory Social Institutions
Social Class and Inequality
Marriage and Courtship
Generosity and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
For the next week, Pickwick and Sam vanish from home during the day, returning only for dinner with an air of mystery. Speculation runs wild. Some, like Tupman, think Pickwick plans to marry, while others suspect he’s preparing for a trip. Sam dismisses these rumors. After six days of guesswork, the group gathers at for dinner, eager for answers.
Sam’s dismissiveness reflects both his loyalty to Pickwick and his growing independence, as he now stands apart from the group’s playful gossip. Clearly, Pickwick and Sam are up to something, but no one will know what it is until Pickwick is ready to tell them.
Themes
Wardle opens the conversation, asking why Pickwick has withdrawn from them. Smiling, Pickwick explains he’s been reflecting on his future due to recent changes. He’s decided to retire to a quiet house in Dulwich, which boasts a large garden and is furnished for comfort. He hopes to spend his remaining years there, surrounded by friends. He adds that Sam will accompany him, and he’s hired a housekeeper and other staff. He then proposes a special request: he wishes for Snodgrass and Emily’s wedding to take place from his new home, marking his first day there with the happiness of his closest friends.
Pickwick’s announcement of retirement signals his acceptance of the changes that have unfolded in his life. His choice of a quiet home in Dulwich reflects his desire for peace after years of adventure. However, the fact that he wants to fill this new chapter with his friends emphasizes that his relationships remain central to him. His request to host Snodgrass and Emily’s wedding is his way of showing everyone that he wants to remain a central part of their lives.
Themes
Pickwick also says that he has informed the Pickwick Club of his decision. This, along with other internal issues, has led to the club’s dissolution. He reflects on the past two years, believing the experiences broadened his understanding of life, despite others viewing his adventures as frivolous. In response, the group raises their glasses, toasting Pickwick. Preparations for Snodgrass’s wedding begin quickly, with Pickwick overseeing the arrangements.
On the morning of the wedding, Pickwick heads to Dulwich Church, where he meets the Wardles, the Winkles, and the rest of the wedding party. After the ceremony, everyone returns to Pickwick’s beautiful home. Pickwick, at the heart of the gathering, radiates happiness, shaking hands and greeting friends with a smile that lifts the spirits of all present. As breakfast begins, Pickwick looks around the table, tears of joy filling his eyes. Though the Pickwick Club has dissolved, the bonds he’s formed will last, and his retirement will be filled with the company of those he loves.
Themes
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