Brandon’s Reviews > Martin Chuzzlewit > Status Update

How much “self—reproach does Martin I deserve? (1528)

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).

A “tell-tale face” 1348).

Dickens publishes the book Martin Chuzzlewit as a book in 1844. Poe publishes “Tell-Tale Heart” in 1843. Who first came up with a heart that beat “Murder, Murder, Murder” (1346)?

Dickens contrasts the dark wood (1339), the scene of Jonas murdering Montague, to the “infernal room” that holds Jonas’ terror of being discovered (1343). Significant, Jonas missed the “rare” sunset because he was lying in wait for Montague in the woods (1341).

Jonas’ anger forestalls Tom’s mention of Nadgett (1319).