Stiggins’s drunken behavior, combined with his accusations against the group, exposes the fragility of the group’s moral authority. Mr. Weller gleefully fights with Stiggins because he has no respect for him, nor anyone else at the meeting. He does not see why he should care about the feelings and opinions of people who worship someone who is so obviously a hypocrite. Meanwhile, Sam’s intervention shows that he is the level-headed figure in their relationship. Instead of his father taking care of him, he finds himself having to take care of his father, much like he does for Pickwick.