Victorians! discussion

Brief Summary:

(Chapter 13) Tom Pinch shoves a book into young Martin at his departure. Martin finds a half a sovereign inside. He eats at a pub and meets a man who offers Martin a ride for London in exchange of Martin's silk handkerchief. He pawns his clothes in London and runs into Tiggs who persuades the pawnbroker to make a poor deal and then wheedles money from him, saying he helped Martin into a good bargain. Martin stays in London for several weeks and runs out all his money. When he was at the point of destitution, he mysteriously receives a letter containing 20 pounds. Shortly after Mark Tapley comes to meet Martin and offers service as Martin's valet. Martin explains his financial position but Mark is not keen on money. Martin agrees to take Mark on. Mark tells Martin that he met his grandfather and the lady (Mary) at the Blue Dragon. He says that they are in London now. Mark agrees to take a letter from Martin to Mary.

In chapter 14, Martin and Mary meet before Martin and Mark departs for America. Martin tells Mary about Mr. Pinch and recommends her to his protection. He informs her that their communication to each other should be through Pinch.

Martin and Mark sail for America. The voyage is described in chapter 15. Martin keeps aloof from others, embarrassed that he had to share a lower berth with common people. Mark sees Martin for his conceited, selfish nature.

Chapter 16-17 describes the adventures of Martin and Mark. On landing in New York, Martin befriends one Colonel Davis, the editor of a New York journal. He introduced Martin to a "genteel boarding house" run by one Mrs. Pawkins. Meantime, Martin makes friends with one Mr. Bevan and makes other acquaintances.

The part I particularly enjoyed in this week’s section was the beginning of Chapter 15: A Ship! The description of the sea, the wind and the ship, as if living, sentient beings was poetic and beautiful. I loved it.

I also love Mark Tapley, who seems invaluable in times of trouble. He’ll be a lucky charm for Martin, and I hope he deserves it. Mark taking care of the woman and her children as well as many others on board, always considerate, always cheerful, always helpful, was very endearing. Dickens created a wonderful character here! I wish the story was about him, because I would much rather read about his encounter with Cicero, the former slave, than about Martin’s with the snobby New York elite.

I was a little disappointed that Martin was just as selfish as a lover than he is as a friend and man. Mary deserves better, and for a moment, I was hoping she’ll meet and fall in love with Tom Pinch! Doesn’t seem very likely, but good people deserve each other.

Nevertheless, Martin has already become slightly more likeable through being humbled by his current state of poverty. He does not react with anger or resentment, but with shame, humility and a healthy dose of ambition. There is hope for him, I think.

Not yet sure what to make of Mr Bevan. He seems like a good guy and we need more of these!

Lindenblatt wrote: "The part I particularly enjoyed in this week’s section was the beginning of Chapter 15: A Ship! The description of the sea, the wind and the ship, as if living, sentient beings was poetic and beaut..."

Dickens is a master of description. I agree with you, Lindenblatt. It was beautifully done.

As at present, Martin is unworthy of Mark's devotion and loyalty. I hope soon Martin may come to realize how lucky he is to have Mark