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Chapter 1
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
As the sun rises the following day, Pickwick awakens with excitement for the journey ahead. He takes a moment to reflect on the mundane view from his window on Goswell Street, pondering how much more the world has to offer beyond such limited sights. Resolving to explore those hidden corners, he dresses quickly, packs his portmanteau, and, armed with his telescope and notebook for documenting his observations, and heads off to St. Martin’s-le-Grand, with the goal of eventually traveling to Rochester.
Pickwick’s excitement at the start of his journey reflects both his eagerness to escape the monotony of Goswell Street and his sincere thirst for discovery. His brief reflection on the limited view from his window suggests an almost childlike wonder at the vastness of the world that lies beyond. Although Dickens pokes fun at the Pickwickians throughout the novel, he also admires their genuine sense of adventure and their desire to understand more about the world around them.
Themes
At the coach stand, Pickwick encounters a rather peculiar cab driver. When Pickwick inquires about the driver’s horse, the driver claims the creature is 42 years old, a statement Pickwick dutifully records in his notebook. During the ride, the cab driver makes several other strange remarks, all of which Pickwick records. Eventually, they arrive at the Golden Cross, where Tupman, Snodgrass, and Winkle eagerly await Pickwick. However, when Pickwick attempts to pay his cab fare, the driver hurls Pickwick’s money back at him and tries to fight him. Pickwick is confused at the sudden act of aggression, but he eventually realizes that the driver thinks he is some sort of informer.
The driver’s ridiculous claims, amuse Pickwick, who takes each statement seriously, demonstrating his tendency to see value in even the most absurd details. This encounter sets the stage for the misunderstandings that often accompany Pickwick’s interactions. The cab driver is not used to someone like Pickwick who writes down his every word and assumes that the only reason an upper class person would care about him is to get him in trouble. From his perspective, Pickwick would never have thought of such a thing, which creates the misunderstanding.
Themes
Confusion mounts, and the situation escalates until a mysterious young man in a green coat intervenes, diffusing the confrontation and escorting Pickwick and his friends to safety. The stranger, who speaks rapidly and in fragmented phrases, leads the group into a nearby tavern. Though clearly eccentric, the stranger has a charm about him that captivates the Pickwickians. As the group prepares to head out to Rochester, the stranger suggests that they ride there together, as he is going there as well. The Pickwickians agree, and everyone climbs into a coach together. On the way to Rochester, the stranger maintains a constant stream of conversation, regaling the group with bizarre tales of his life. One such story involves a pointer dog so intelligent it refused to pass a sign warning that all dogs found in the area would be shot. Pickwick, ever the observer, dutifully makes notes of the stranger’s anecdotes.
Themes
Once they arrive in Rochester, the group makes their way to an inn, where they plan to spend the night. Over dinner, the chatty stranger continues to entertain with more outlandish stories. Throughout the dinner, the stranger becomes increasingly infatuated with the idea of attending a local ball. However, there is a problem: the stranger lacks the proper attire. Tupman suggests that the stranger wear Winkle’s dress suit, which the stranger ultimately decides to do. However, he does not ask Winkle for permission, nor does he tell him that he is borrowing the outfit.
Themes
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Later, at the ball, the stranger boldly approaches Mrs. Budger, a wealthy widow, and quickly wins her favor—much to the dismay of Dr. Slammer, a military surgeon who had been interested in her. As the evening progresses, the stranger’s charm proves too much for Slammer, who grows increasingly angry that Mrs. Budger prefers the stranger over him. Enraged, Slammer challenges the stranger to a duel. However, when the ball ends, the stranger vanishes without a trace.
Themes
The next morning, Slammer sends a steward to issue Winkle an invitation to a duel. The steward identifies Winkle by his jacket, not realizing that Winkle is not the one responsible for insulting Slammer. Winkle, bewildered and having no memory of any confrontation, is shocked but feels he must defend his honor. He agrees to the duel, hoping to avoid disgrace in front of his companions. With Snodgrass as his second, the two friends set out, neither particularly experienced in the art of dueling. When they arrive at the appointed location, it quickly becomes clear that something is amiss.
Themes
As Winkle takes his place, preparing for the worst, Slammer calls off the duel, realizing that Winkle is not the man who insulted him. Slammer apologizes profusely for the mix-up. Winkle, relieved, accepts his apology. The two men part on good terms, with Slammer even inviting Winkle and his friends to join him for drinks that evening to make amends for the misunderstanding.
Themes
