Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Of Mr. Ralph Nickleby, and his establishments, and his undertakings, and of a great joint stock company of vast national importance. explained
This chapter introduces Mr.
What happens
This chapter introduces Mr. Ralph Nickleby, a cold and cunning man who lives in Golden Square and conducts mysterious business. His clerk, Newman Noggs, a former gentleman fallen into poverty, serves him. Ralph receives a visit from Mr. Bonney, who pitches a speculative scheme: the 'United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and Crumpet Baking and Punctual Delivery Company.' Ralph agrees to attend a public meeting, revealing his involvement in dubious financial ventures.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Speculation
Ralph Nickleby's involvement in the 'United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and Crumpet Baking and Punctual Delivery Company' exemplifies the speculative schemes and financial ambition of the era.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Ralph powders his hair to appear benevolent, yet his cold, cunning eyes betray his true nature; he claims to have taken on Noggs out of charity, but exploits his poverty.
Characters to notice
- Ralph Nickleby
Introduced as a shrewd, cold-eyed businessman living in Golden Square, engaged in speculative ventures.
- Newman Noggs
Ralph's clerk, a fallen gentleman who once kept horses and hounds, now impoverished and eccentric.
- Mr. Bonney
A pale, hurried gentleman who brings Ralph the scheme for the Muffin and Crumpet Company.
Key passages
“Mr. Ralph Nickleby was not, strictly speaking, what you would call a merchant, neither was he a banker, nor an attorney, nor a special pleader, nor a notary.”
Ralph Nickleby's profession is ambiguous; he does not fit any conventional business or legal category.
Establishes Ralph's mysterious and unclassifiable business dealings.
“He wore a sprinkling of powder upon his head, as if to make himself look benevolent; but if that were his purpose, he would perhaps have done better to powder his countenance also, for there was something in its very wrinkles, and in his cold restless eye, which seemed to tell of cunning that would announce itself in spite of him.”
Ralph's powdered hair is a failed attempt to appear kind, as his wrinkled face and cold eyes reveal his inherent cunning.
Highlights the theme of hypocrisy and appearance vs. reality.
“The kindhearted gentleman omitted to add that Newman Noggs, being utterly destitute, served him for rather less than the usual wages of a boy of thirteen; and likewise failed to mention in his hasty chronicle, that his eccentric taciturnity rendered him an especially valuable person in a place where much business was done, of which it was desirable no mention should be made out of doors.”
Ralph's claim of charity toward Noggs is undercut by the fact that he pays him a pittance and values his silence about shady dealings.
Reveals Ralph's exploitation and the secretive nature of his business.