Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Nicholas Nickleby explained
The opening chapter introduces the Nickleby family after the death of Mr.
What happens
The opening chapter introduces the Nickleby family after the death of Mr. Godfrey Nickleby, leaving his son Nicholas Nickleby with a small inheritance. Nicholas marries and has a large family, but after his death, his widow and children—Nicholas, Kate, and Mrs. Nickleby—are left in reduced circumstances. The chapter sets the stage for the family's struggles and the introduction of the miserly uncle, Ralph Nickleby.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Loyalty
The chapter establishes the Nickleby family's bond in the face of adversity, contrasting with Ralph's refusal to uphold family obligations.
Social Injustice and Corruption
The family's sudden poverty and Ralph's cold indifference exemplify the social injustices and corruption of the era, where wealth and power often override compassion.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas Nickleby
Introduced as the eldest son of the deceased Nicholas Nickleby, a young man of promise left to support his mother and sister.
- Kate Nickleby
Introduced as the daughter of the deceased, a young woman of beauty and virtue.
- Mrs. Nickleby
The widow of the deceased Nicholas Nickleby, left with limited means and two children to raise.
- Ralph Nickleby
Introduced as the miserly and unfeeling uncle of Nicholas and Kate, who refuses to help the family after his brother's death.
- Mr. Godfrey Nickleby
The deceased father of Nicholas Nickleby (the elder), whose death sets the story in motion.
Key passages
“There once lived, in a sequestered part of the county of Devonshire, one Mr. Godfrey Nickleby.”
The story begins with a man named Godfrey Nickleby living in a remote part of Devonshire.
Opening line introducing the patriarch of the Nickleby family.
“He had two sons, and as he was a careful man, he had saved a considerable sum of money.”
Godfrey Nickleby had two sons and had saved a good amount of money through careful living.
Establishes the family's modest wealth and the two sons who will inherit.
“The younger son, Nicholas, was a steady, careful man, and he married a young lady of some fortune.”
The younger son, Nicholas, was prudent and married a woman with a decent dowry.
Introduces Nicholas Nickleby (the elder) and his marriage.
“He died, however, before his father, and left his widow and two children, Nicholas and Kate, to the care of his brother Ralph.”
Nicholas died before his father, leaving his wife and two children, Nicholas and Kate, under the guardianship of his brother Ralph.
Key plot point: the death of the elder Nicholas and the family's reliance on Ralph.
“Ralph Nickleby was a very different man from his brother. He was a hard, cold, selfish man, who cared for nothing but money.”
Ralph Nickleby was unlike his brother—cold, selfish, and solely interested in money.
Characterization of Ralph as the antithesis of his brother.