Martin Chuzzlewit, Chapter 28 summary

What happens

1. Jonas visits Montague to inspect his wealth, attracted by the scheme’s promises of money, authority, and social standing.
2. Montague’s guests flatter Jonas, trade stories of titled acquaintances, and encourage his belief in his own cleverness.
3. Jonas mocks his host’s spending, while Tigg and Crimple let him expose his weaknesses.
4. After Jonas falls asleep drunk, Tigg expresses confidence that he is caught and orders Bailey to escort him home.
5. Bailey finds Merry frightened and miserable, helps Jonas upstairs, and reluctantly leaves the room at her request.
6. Listening below, Bailey hears Jonas describe marriage as revenge, reject Merry’s loving appeals, and hit her.

In this chapter

What to notice

Jonas makes domination the purpose of his marriage. His words explain Merry’s fear and connect his hunger for power with his violence at home.

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