Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Chapter XII explained
Nicholas endures mistreatment at Dotheboys Hall, where his kindness to Smike only leads to increased cruelty toward the boy.
What happens
Nicholas endures mistreatment at Dotheboys Hall, where his kindness to Smike only leads to increased cruelty toward the boy. Smike struggles with his studies but clings to Nicholas as his only hope. Meanwhile, Fanny Squeers and Tilda Price reconcile after a quarrel over Nicholas, and Fanny feigns a faint to force an encounter with him, leading to an awkward confrontation where Nicholas denies any romantic interest in her.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Corruption
The systemic abuse at Dotheboys Hall and the mistreatment of Smike highlight the corruption and injustice within the educational system.
Resilience and Moral Integrity
Nicholas's compassion for Smike and his refusal to participate in the cruelty demonstrate his moral integrity despite his own suffering.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Fanny Squeers feigns a faint to manipulate Nicholas, contrasting her outward fragility with her true manipulative nature.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas Nickleby
Endures indignities and mistreatment at Dotheboys Hall; feels guilt over Smike's suffering; denies romantic interest in Fanny Squeers.
- Smike
Becomes attached to Nicholas; suffers increased abuse from Squeers and his family; struggles with learning but is motivated by desire to please Nicholas.
- Fanny Squeers
Feigns a faint to force an encounter with Nicholas; expresses jealousy and spite; reconciles with Tilda Price.
- Tilda Price
Engages in a quarrel and reconciliation with Fanny; teases Nicholas about Fanny's affections.
- Wackford Squeers
Jealous of Nicholas's influence over Smike; continues to mistreat Smike.
Key passages
“The wretched creature, Smike, since the night Nicholas had spoken kindly to him in the schoolroom, had followed him to and fro, with an ever-restless desire to serve or help him; anticipating such little wants as his humble ability could supply, and content only to be near him.”
Smike, after Nicholas showed him kindness, became devoted to following and helping him, finding contentment just in his presence.
Highlights Smike's newfound attachment and Nicholas's impact on him.
“Upon this poor being, all the spleen and ill-humour that could not be vented on Nicholas were unceasingly bestowed.”
Smike became the target of all the anger and frustration that Squeers and his family could not direct at Nicholas.
Illustrates the cruelty and scapegoating of Smike.
“I can’t do it,” said the dejected creature, looking up with bitter disappointment in every feature. “No, no.””
Smike admitted he couldn't complete his task, his face showing deep disappointment.
Shows Smike's struggle with learning and his emotional state.
“But for you,” said the outcast, “I should die. They would kill me; they would; I know they would.””
Smike told Nicholas that without him, he would be destroyed by the cruelty of those around him.
Emphasizes Smike's dependence on Nicholas for survival.
“I hate everybody,” said Miss Squeers, “and I wish that everybody was dead—that I do.””
Fanny Squeers declared her hatred for everyone and her wish for their death.
Reveals Fanny's spiteful and dramatic temperament.
“Does she think that I am in love with her?””
Nicholas asked directly whether Fanny believed he had romantic feelings for her.
Key moment where Nicholas confronts and denies Fanny's assumptions.
