After making a futile attempt to pull off his shoes, he fell into the fireplace.

Background.

‘After making a futile attempt to pull off his shoes, he fell into the fireplace.‘ is a quotation from Martin Chuzzlewit (Chapter 9).

Martin Chuzzlewit is the sixth novel by Charles Dickens originally published between 1843 and 1844.

Context.

Seth Pecksniff recalls his dead wife in front of the fire before stumbling in it. Illustration by Fred Barnard from a later edition of Martin Chuzzlewit.

Seth Pecksniff has a lucky escape after a little too much drink whilst recalling his dead wife with self-pity in front of friends and family.

Taken from the following passage in Chapter 9 of the novel Martin Chuzzlewit:

‘Bless my life, Miss Pecksniffs!’ cried Mrs Todgers, aloud, ‘your dear pa’s took very poorly!’

Mr Pecksniff straightened himself by a surprising effort, as every one turned hastily towards him; and standing on his feet, regarded the assembly with a look of ineffable wisdom. Gradually it gave place to a smile; a feeble, helpless, melancholy smile; bland, almost to sickliness. ‘Do not repine, my friends,’ said Mr Pecksniff, tenderly. ‘Do not weep for me. It is chronic.’ And with these words, after making a futile attempt to pull off his shoes, he fell into the fireplace.

The youngest gentleman in company had him out in a second. Yes, before a hair upon his head was singed, he had him on the hearth-rug—her father!

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