"Warm Reception of Mr. Pecksniff by His Venerable Friend" by "Phiz"

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Warm Reception of Mr. Pecksniff by His Venerable Friend

Phiz (Hablot K. Browne)

NJuly 1844

Etching

Old Martin, with his burning indignation crowded into one vehement burst, struck him [i. e., Seth Pecksniff] down upon the ground with a welldirected blow.— Chapter 52

Dickens's Martin Chuzzlewit

Scanned image and text by Philip V. Allingham.

[This image may be used without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose.]

With a kinetic energy reminiscent of that of Blake's God of the Old Testament, Old Martin reasserts his authority over the fractious Chuzzlewit clan by thrashing the hypocritical Pecksniff after denouncing him. Despite his persuasive, subtle speeches and postures betokening his abject humility (foreshadowing the equally hypocritical Uriah Heep in David Copperfield, Pecksniff seems to shrink under the glaring light of truth in old Martin's accusations and chastizement with his walking-stick. To complete the poetically just conclusion to the narrative, young Martin and old Martin are reconciled in the presence of John Westlock and Mark Tapley.

Last modified 26 April 2007