Martin

Martin Chuzzlewit is the title character in Charles Dickens’ sixth novel, “The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit”, originally serialized between 1843 and 1844. It was Dickens’ own avowed favorite of his books, although its reception by the public was a little less than satisfying. Disinherited by his tyrannical grandfather, Martin the First, young Martin is forced to seek menial labor to make his way in the world and, he hopes, win the love of Mary, the indentured caretaker of his grandfather. In the course of his adventures, this rather clueless young man makes his way to the United States in the company of the benevolent Mark Tapley, and encounters many eye-opening situations there (not the least of which is Dickens’ opportunity to skewer Americans). Dickens’ stated purpose in the novel was to exhibit the awful consequences of human selfishness, and so he does, but not without also showing the redemptive consequences of true human interaction, caring and devotion. The final outcome of all the labyrinthian mazes of the plot is the triumph of goodness over evil (however petty) – the final chapters provide us with a sense of having come out of a bad nightmare into a wonderful, waking dream, and dear Martin is at its forefront.

Seth is a main character in Charles Dickens’ novel, Martin Chuzzlewit, originally serialized in 1843-44, and holds the title of one of the most marvelous villains in literary fiction. In fact, his name became a synonym for hypocrisy in the 19th century. Along with his two daughters, judiciously named Charity and Mercy, but hilariously nicknamed Cherry and Merry, he portrays himself as a very moral person, when in fact he is anything but. He is a substandard architect who holds “classes” for students, all the while passing off their work as his own. He is conniving, unctuous, mean-spirited and sanctimonious – in short, the type of villain whose downfall is hopefully awaited and gleefully received.