Status Updates From Martin Chuzzlewit

Is “pandering to the worst of human passions,” (Old Martin re: Pinchsniff) The Worst? And if so, is that Trump‘s greatest evil? (1486)

Pecksniff’s respectability is nearly as treacherous as Jonas’ cruelty (1470).

For future research, analyze Martin Chuzzlewit as a “linguistic mosaic” British and American dialects and Pecksniff’s tortured syntax of cant (pretense to morality to gain advantage).

I do like the double-talk about liquor: “‘It ain’t tea,’ said Mrs.Gamp. It can’t be easy for someone to make themselves ridiculous so they simultaneously feel good about themself, but perhaps it’s easier than feeling miserable so one can appear “good” (1401).

Diversity of knowledge, Chuffey’s in particular exceeding others’ assumptions (1395).