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Chapter 52
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
Wardle comes to visit Pickwick, chastising Pickwick for allowing himself to be imprisoned without telling him. After some friendly exchanges, Wardle explains the reason for his visit: his daughters have been involved in secret love affairs, and there’s been a lot of commotion back home. In particular, Wardle recently discovered that Emily has been corresponding with Snodgrass in secret. Wardle reveals that Emily and Snodgrass plan to marry, and although they decided to ask for Wardle’s approval first, it’s clear that they were prepared to elope if necessary.
Although Wardle is not deeply hurt, he wishes he knew about Pickwick’s imprisonment because he would have helped them out. However, at this point, Wardle has more pressing concerns, as he needs to figure out what to do with Snodgrass and Emily. Wardle does not like that the two of them would undermine his authority, if necessary, which is why he comes to Pickwick for advice.
Themes
Later, Wardle and Pickwick arrange to meet Emily for dinner and have Joe deliver their message. Upon arriving at Emily’s room, Joe accidentally walks in on Snodgrass and Emily in a compromising position, which leads to a brief moment of panic. However, Joe is quickly bribed to keep the encounter a secret. As dinner approaches, Snodgrass hides in Wardle’s bedroom where he remains even when Wardle and his party arrive.
Wardle and Pickwick try to plan a traditional circumstance during which Emily could tell her father the truth. However, Joe once again walks in on an awkward moment, which threatens to turn the night into another farcical scene. Indeed, Snodgrass hiding in Wardle’s bedroom is asking for disaster.
Themes
Throughout dinner, Joe’s nervous behavior raises suspicion. At one point, he is sent to fetch a snuff box, during which Snodgrass whispers to him to find help. Ultimately, Snodgrass is discovered, so he explains that he hid it to avoid causing trouble. Then, Snodgrass takes the opportunity to confess his love for Emily in front of everyone. Despite initial outrage, Wardle is persuaded when Arabella, who is also present at the dinner, vouches for Snodgrass. Ultimately, Wardle forgives the young couple and invites Snodgrass to join them for dinner. The evening turns into a jovial affair, with everyone in good spirits.
Although Joe does not deliberately tattle on Snodgrass and Emily as he did for Miss Rachael, he cannot help but let on that something is wrong. When Wardle goes looking for Snodgrass, another farcical scene ensues. However, because Wardle trusts both Arabella and Pickwick, he ultimately accepts Snodgrass, despite the circumstances. As usual, the negative elements of the evening are cleansed when the drinks come out and a party begins.
Themes
