# LV explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mrs. Nickleby remains confused and skeptical about the situation with Madeline Bray, despite explanations from Nicholas and Kate. She argues with Kate about the circumstances, drawing irrelevant comparisons. When Nicholas and Kate bring Madeline home, Mrs. Nickleby becomes supportive and takes credit for the plan. Madeline falls dangerously ill from the shock of her father's death, and Kate nurses her devotedly. Mrs. Nickleby, meanwhile, schemes to uncover Frank Cheeryble's interest in Kate, using various tactics and hinting at other suitors. She eventually tries to sound out Nicholas about Frank, but Nicholas responds lightly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Loyalty

Kate's devoted nursing of Madeline and Nicholas's protective role highlight familial bonds and loyalty.

### Resilience and Moral Integrity

Madeline's severe illness following her father's death and her slow recovery underscore her resilience; Kate's steadfast care reflects moral integrity.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Mrs. Nickleby's contradictory behavior—first opposing the situation, then taking credit—and her manipulative schemes with Frank Cheeryble illustrate hypocrisy and the gap between appearance and reality.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Nickleby

Confused and argumentative about Madeline's situation, then becomes supportive and takes credit; later schemes to test Frank Cheeryble's intentions toward Kate.

### Kate Nickleby

Gently tries to explain Madeline's circumstances to her mother; nurses Madeline devotedly during her illness.

### Nicholas Nickleby

Returns with Madeline; praised by the Cheeryble brothers; responds lightly to his mother's probing about Frank Cheeryble.

### Madeline Bray

Brought to the Nickleby home after her father's death; falls dangerously ill and is nursed by Kate.

### Frank Cheeryble

Frequently visits to inquire after Madeline; Mrs. Nickleby suspects he is more interested in Kate.

### Charles Cheeryble

Praises Nicholas for his role; Mrs. Nickleby claims he 'as good as' said the family's fortunes are made.

## Key lines

> Bless my heart, Kate!... if the Mr. Cheerybles don't want this young lady to be married, why don't they file a bill against the Lord Chancellor, make her a Chancery ward, and shut her up in the Fleet prison for safety?

Mrs. Nickleby expresses confusion about the Cheerybles' intentions, suggesting absurd legal measures.

_Highlights Mrs. Nickleby's misunderstanding and the legal context of the time._

> I don't think you quite understand,' said Kate, gently. 'Well I am sure, Kate, my dear, you're very polite!' replied Mrs. Nickleby.

Kate tries to explain gently, but Mrs. Nickleby takes offense.

_Shows the tension between mother and daughter and Mrs. Nickleby's defensiveness._

> Who, slowly recovering from a disorder so severe and dangerous, could be insensible to the unremitting attentions of such a nurse as gentle, tender, earnest Kate?

The narrator reflects on how Madeline must be deeply affected by Kate's devoted nursing.

_Emphasizes the bond forming between Kate and Madeline._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/lv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters