# LVIII explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Nicholas takes Smike to the countryside where they spent their childhood, visiting old haunts and the grave of Nicholas's father. Smike, dying, confesses his secret love for Kate and asks to be buried with a lock of her hair. He dies peacefully, having seen a vision of Eden.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Moral Integrity

Nicholas's unwavering devotion to Smike, despite the emotional toll, exemplifies his moral strength and resilience.

### Family and Loyalty

Nicholas's care for Smike as a brother and Smike's secret love for Kate highlight deep familial bonds and loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Nicholas Nickleby

Devotedly cares for Smike, revisits childhood memories, and promises to honor Smike's final wishes.

### Smike

Dying, confesses his love for Kate, asks for a lock of her hair to be buried with him, and dies peacefully after a vision of Eden.

### Kate Nickleby

Mentioned in Nicholas's memories and as the object of Smike's secret love.

### Mr. Godfrey Nickleby

His grave is visited by Nicholas and Smike; Nicholas recalls his father's wish to be buried where Kate once slept.

## Key lines

> I must tell you something, first. I should not have a secret from you. You would not blame me, at a time like this, I know.

Smike insists on confessing his secret to Nicholas, believing he won't be judged.

_Smike's confession of his love for Kate._

> He fell into a light slumber, and waking smiled as before; then, spoke of beautiful gardens, which he said stretched out before him, and were filled with figures of men, women, and many children, all with light upon their faces; then, whispered that it was Eden⁠—and so died.

Smike falls asleep, wakes smiling, describes a vision of a beautiful garden filled with radiant figures, calls it Eden, and then dies.

_Smike's peaceful death after a vision of paradise._

## Links

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