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Chapter 29
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
In the office of Dodson & Fogg, Mr. Jackson, a legal agent, collects a set of subpoenas and heads to the George and Vulture Inn, where Pickwick is staying. Without much formality, Jackson enters Pickwick’s room, where Pickwick and his friends are gathered, and announces that he is serving subpoenas to Snodgrass, Tupman, and Winkle. Each is given a subpoena and a shilling as required by law. Jackson then asks for Sam, whom Pickwick summons. Sam receives his own subpoena, though he does not take the matter seriously. Instead, he jokes about Dodson & Fogg’s generosity in giving him a shilling. Pickwick, outraged at the legal tactics being used against him, grows indignant, suspecting the subpoenas are a way to turn his friends into witnesses against him in the upcoming trial with Mrs. Bardell.
The sudden appearance of Jackson with subpoenas exemplifies the intrusive nature of the legal system in The Pickwick Papers. Dickens’s portrayal of Jackson’s casual demeanor emphasizes how impersonal the law can be, stripping away formality and treating serious matters with detachment. Sam’s humorous response to the shilling shows his irreverence toward authority and his ability to defuse tension with wit. Meanwhile, Pickwick’s outrage reflects his growing frustration with the manipulation of the legal system, which views justice as a tool for profit and control.
Themes
The next morning, Pickwick, accompanied by Sam, sets off to see Perker. They make their way through London. As they walk past a pork shop, Sam tells Pickwick an amusing, but morbid, story about a man who allegedly turned himself into sausages after an argument with his wife. Upon arriving at Perker’s office, Pickwick discusses the subpoenas and his frustration with Dodson & Fogg’s legal maneuvers. Perker explains that the only strategy they have is to cross-examine the witnesses and rely on their barrister, Serjeant Snubbin, to defend him in court. Perker also informs Pickwick that Sam was subpoenaed to possibly prove that an offer of compromise was made to Mrs. Bardell.
Perker’s pragmatic explanation reflects the grim reality of navigating the legal system: success hinges not on truth but on strategy. The mention of Sam’s subpoena adds a layer of intrigue, as it suggests that even Pickwick’s closest ally might be used against him. Throughout the novel, friendship has been the one constant for Pickwick that always picks him up when he is feeling down. However, now, the legal system is weaponizing his support system against him to try to ruin him.
Themes
Pickwick insists on seeing Serjeant Snubbin in person, despite Perker’s protests that such a visit is unusual. However, they proceed to Snubbin’s chambers, where the barrister appears rather busy and disheveled. After a brief meeting, Snubbin agrees to take on the case, and Mr. Phunky, a young and nervous junior barrister, is introduced as Snubbin’s assistant. Pickwick leaves the meeting feeling uncertain about the outcome of the trial but reassured that they have the best legal representation possible.
Pickwick typically takes a hands-on approach to solve his problems, even in unfamiliar territory like the legal system. Snubbin’s disheveled appearance does not inspire great confidence, though perhaps it speaks more to the fact that he is overworked rather than unprofessional. Pickwick’s mixed emotions upon leaving the meeting indicate a shift from idealism to pragmatism, as he begins to understand that justice does not always prevail.
Themes
