Montreal Dickens Fellowship Study Questions: “ The Pickwick Papers”
Westmount Public Library
March 5, 2013 2:30-4:30
Chapters 29-35
- What do you think of Dickens’ hard but very funny portrayal of the medical students? Would his opinions hold up today?
- Do you feel sorry for Mr. Winkle’s false position as a sportsman?
- Comment on Sam and Tony Weller’s relationship. They are both funny and street-wise. Who is wiser?? Give examples.
- Dickens was well acquainted with the legal profession. How does he satirize it? Give examples of his descriptions of squalor, callousness, corruption and amorality.
- Mrs. Raddle, like Mrs. Bardell is an example of a formidable middle-aged woman who has power but pretends excessive weakness. Discuss.
- What do you think of Sam’s Valentine?
- Dickens hated sanctimonious puritanism. Comment on his humorous description of the Temperance meeting. How funny is Tony Weller’s concern about the tea drinkers!
- Sergeant Buzfuz puts on a good show! Comment on the theatricality of Bardell VS Pickwick.
- Why do you think Mr. Pickwick’s court damages were halved?
- Dickens’ hysterical satire of high society at Bath must have been loved by the readers of his day. Can you think of parallels in today’s society?