Martin Sargent Website

Martin Sargent Website

Martin Sargent Website

The human story is much more than just a list of names and dates; it is a tale of character and how different traits from selfishness and conceit to kindness and humility work themselves out in the interactions between people. Literature also reflects many aspects of human nature, portraying the human condition through stories such as Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens. Through the characters, good and bad, Dickens demonstrates how the choices people make in their dealings with others can affect the course of their lives. Although primarily concerned with selfishness and its effects on others, the story is also a tale of conflicting ideals and motivations and how those conflicts lead to their inevitable conclusions.

The Story and Characters of Martin Chuzzlewit

Martin Chuzzlewit is a sweeping tale of an elderly man, his grandson, their extended family, friends and acquaintances. Martin Sr. has quarrelled with his grandson, Martin Jr., while Seth Pecksniff and his two daughters have reconciled with Martin only to gain access to his money. Martin’s brother Anthony is estranged from his brother, while Anthony’s son, Jonas, uses manipulation and violence to control others. Montague Tigg, a distant connection to the Chuzzlewit family, also learns to use the family conflict to his own advantage. Even the kind and generous Mark Tapley must resolve a conflict within his own mind as he tries to prove himself.