# Chapter VI explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

During a coach journey, Nicholas Nickleby and Mr. Squeers travel with a group of passengers. Squeers shamelessly advertises his school, handing out cards while Nicholas blushes with shame. The passengers pass the time with conversation and a story, the 'Baron of Grogzwig,' told by a merry-faced gentleman. Nicholas falls asleep and wakes to find the storyteller and a grey-haired gentleman have departed. The chapter ends with Nicholas, Squeers, and the boys arriving at the George and New Inn, Greta Bridge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Squeers presents himself as a benevolent father figure to the boys while his true nature is exploitative and cruel, highlighted by Nicholas's embarrassment.

### Resilience and Moral Integrity

The story of the Baron of Grogzwig illustrates choosing to face life's difficulties with courage rather than succumbing to despair, mirroring Nicholas's own moral struggles.

## Character check-ins

### Nicholas Nickleby

Accompanies Mr. Squeers on the coach journey, blushing with shame as Squeers hands out advertising cards.

### Wackford Squeers

Travels with Nicholas and the boys, using the opportunity to advertise his school and hand out cards.

### Smike

Mentioned as one of the pupils traveling with Squeers, part of the group arriving at Greta Bridge.

## Key lines

> They are all under the same parental and affectionate treatment. Mrs. Squeers and myself are a mother and father to every one of 'em.

Squeers claims that he and his wife treat all the boys like their own children, with care and affection.

_Squeers's hypocritical statement contrasts with the harsh reality of Dotheboys Hall._

> I hold that in this, as in all other cases where people who are strangers to each other are thrown unexpectedly together, they should endeavour to render themselves as pleasant, for the joint sake of the little community, as possible.

The merry-faced gentleman believes that strangers thrown together should try to be pleasant for the good of the group.

_This sentiment promotes social harmony and contrasts with Squeers's self-serving behavior._

> I'll brood over miseries no longer, but put a good face on the matter, and try the fresh air and the bears again; and if that don't do, I'll talk to the baroness soundly, and cut the Von Swillenhausens dead.

The baron decides to stop dwelling on his problems, face life positively, and take action to improve his situation.

_This resolution illustrates the theme of resilience and choosing hope over despair._

## Links

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