# Chapter LXIII explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

The Cheeryble brothers host a dinner party where they reveal their plans for the happiness of the young people. Nicholas and Frank are reconciled and informed about Madeline's inheritance. Tim Linkinwater proposes to Miss La Creevy, and the chapter ends with multiple engagements and a celebration of love and friendship.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter culminates in multiple engagements and declarations of love, emphasizing the resolution of romantic tensions and the importance of marriage as a social and personal goal.

### Family and Loyalty

The Cheeryble brothers act as surrogate parents, orchestrating happiness for Nicholas, Kate, Frank, and Madeline, highlighting familial bonds and loyalty.

### Charity and Compassion

The brothers' kindness and generosity in arranging the young people's futures and including Miss La Creevy in the celebration exemplify charity and compassion.

## Character check-ins

### Nicholas Nickleby

Attends the dinner with his family, learns of Madeline's inheritance, and is reconciled with Frank.

### Kate Nickleby

Attends the dinner, is emotional about Madeline's silence, and is led to a room where she finds a letter from Madeline.

### Mrs. Nickleby

Attends the dinner, speculates about the invitation's meaning, and is overwhelmed by the happiness of the occasion.

### Tim Linkinwater

Delivers the invitation, is teased by the brothers, and proposes to Miss La Creevy.

### Miss La Creevy

Invited to the dinner, is comforted by Tim Linkinwater, and accepts his proposal.

### Frank Cheeryble

Present at the dinner, reconciles with Nicholas, and is involved in the plans for the young couples.

## Key lines

> Now, my dears, what does this mean? ... what does this invitation to dinner mean? What is its intention and object?

Mrs. Nickleby questions the purpose of the Cheeryble brothers' dinner invitation, suspecting it has a hidden meaning.

_Mrs. Nickleby's curiosity and tendency to read into social events foreshadow the romantic revelations._

> I wish to see you friends—close and firm friends—and if I thought you otherwise, I should hesitate in what I am about to say.

Brother Charles expresses his desire for Nicholas and Frank to be close friends before revealing important news.

_This moment underscores the theme of reconciliation and the importance of friendship in the resolution of the plot._

> Don't cry! ... I am so happy! ... Then laugh, said Tim. Do laugh.

Tim Linkinwater comforts Miss La Creevy, who is crying with joy, and encourages her to laugh instead.

_This exchange leads to Tim's proposal, highlighting the tender and humorous romance between the two characters._

## Links

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