Martin Chuzzlewit, Chapter 5 summary
Chapter 5 of 55 · 37 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Tom Pinch travels to Salisbury, hears Mark’s plans to seek hardship, and brings the new pupil, Martin Chuzzlewit, home to Mr Pecksniff’s family. Their growing friendship exposes differences in their values, while the household’s elaborate welcome contrasts with Pecksniff’s private advice that Martin can easily manage Tom.
What happens
- Tom drives toward Salisbury in high spirits and gives Mark a lift, hearing his wish for work that tests his cheerfulness.
- Tom enjoys the market, bookshops, cathedral organ, and a tavern dinner before discovering that his fellow guest is Martin Chuzzlewit.
- Martin and Tom drink punch, become friendly, and travel home while Tom praises the Pecksniffs.
- Tom describes an unnamed woman who listens to his organ playing, and asks Martin to keep his confidence.
- Mr Pecksniff welcomes Martin, displays the house, and joins his daughters in providing a small celebration.
- After privately describing Tom as useful but ungifted, Pecksniff leaves the companions to sleep and spends two hours thinking.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Pecksniff speaks this way only after sending Tom away. His advice sharply contrasts with his public declarations of lasting friendship.
Quick check
Why does Mark consider leaving the Dragon?
Cite this page
“Martin Chuzzlewit, Chapter 5 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/martin-chuzzlewit-chapter-5-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). Martin Chuzzlewit, Chapter 5 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/martin-chuzzlewit-chapter-5-summary
“Martin Chuzzlewit, Chapter 5 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/martin-chuzzlewit-chapter-5-summary.
@misc{martin_chuzzlewit_chapter_5_summary_2026,
title = {Martin Chuzzlewit, Chapter 5 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/martin-chuzzlewit-chapter-5-summary}
}
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