The story centers on wealthy old Martin Chuzzlewit. His many relatives believe that he is at death's door, so they swarm about him like bees angling to get a piece of his fortune. The main theme of the novel is selfishness, which is portrayed in a satirical fashion using all the members of the Chuzzlewit family.

The story centers on wealthy old Martin Chuzzlewit. His many relatives believe that he is at death's door, so they swarm about him like bees angling to get a piece of his fortune. The main theme of the novel is selfishness, which is portrayed in a satirical fashion using all the members of the Chuzzlewit family.

Martin Chuzzlewit (1843-44) is the last of Dickens' picaresque novels, and to the author's mind, one of his best. After being disinherited by his grandfather--greedy and misanthropic in his old age--young Martin is forced to live by his wits. Along the way, he encounters a villainous architect, seeks his fortune in America and eventually grows to be a man of honor and character. Martin Chuzzlewit features some of Dickens richest creations and fiercest social commentary.