Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Chapter LI explained
Arthur Gride is revealed as a miserly old man preparing for his wedding to Madeline Bray, a scheme orchestrated by Ralph Nickleby.
What happens
Arthur Gride is revealed as a miserly old man preparing for his wedding to Madeline Bray, a scheme orchestrated by Ralph Nickleby. Newman Noggs, acting as a messenger, discovers Ralph's letter outlining the plot and later reveals it to Nicholas, who rushes out in a fury.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Corruption
Ralph Nickleby and Arthur Gride conspire to force Madeline Bray into a marriage for financial gain, highlighting the exploitation of the vulnerable.
Love and Marriage
The planned marriage between Gride and Madeline is a loveless transaction, contrasting with the ideal of romantic union.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Gride's cheerful singing and preparation for a wedding mask the sinister and coercive nature of the arrangement.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Gride
Old miser preparing for his wedding to Madeline Bray, singing a wedding song and selecting his bottle-green suit.
- Ralph Nickleby
Orchestrates the marriage plot between Arthur Gride and Madeline Bray, as revealed in his letter.
- Newman Noggs
Delivers Ralph's letter to Gride, reads it secretly, and later reveals the plot to Nicholas.
- Nicholas Nickleby
Learns of the plot from Newman Noggs and rushes out in a rage, threatening violence.
- Madeline Bray
The intended bride in Gride and Ralph's scheme, referred to as 'little Madeline' in the toast.
- Peg Sliderskew
Gride's deaf and ugly housekeeper, who is called upon and later brushed past by Newman.
Key passages
“The project of Mr. Ralph Nickleby and his friend approaching a successful issue, becomes unexpectedly known to another party, not admitted into their confidence.”
Ralph Nickleby's scheme is nearing completion, but someone outside the plot discovers it.
Sets up the revelation of the marriage plot to Newman Noggs and subsequently Nicholas.
“We'll drink a lady. ... Here's little Madeline. That's the toast. Mr. Noggs. Little Madeline!”
Gride proposes a toast to Madeline Bray, the young woman he intends to marry.
Highlights Gride's predatory intentions and the objectification of Madeline.
“He no sooner understood it all, than with a face of ashy paleness, and trembling in every limb, he darted from the house.”
Upon learning the full plot, Nicholas turns pale and rushes out in a fury.
Shows Nicholas's impulsive and protective nature, foreshadowing a confrontation.