Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
XL explained
Nicholas reflects on the failed attempt to abduct Smike, attributing the scheme to Squeers.
What happens
Nicholas reflects on the failed attempt to abduct Smike, attributing the scheme to Squeers. At the Cheeryble office, Tim Linkinwater shares a touching story about a sickly, bedridden boy who tends flowers. Newman Noggs reveals he has arranged a secret interview between Nicholas and a young lady, but the meeting is interrupted by the sudden return of her father, Mr. Bobster, forcing Nicholas and Newman to flee.
Themes in this chapter
Charity and Compassion
Tim Linkinwater's kindness toward the sickly boy and his flowers exemplifies compassion for the vulnerable.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
The secret meeting and the contrast between Nicholas's romantic ideals and the sordid reality of sneaking through the area highlight the gap between appearance and truth.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas Nickleby
Contemplates punishing Squeers; listens to Tim's story; reluctantly participates in the secret meeting and flees when Mr. Bobster returns.
- Newman Noggs
Arranges the secret interview for Nicholas; guides him through the area and helps him escape when Mr. Bobster arrives.
- Tim Linkinwater
Shares a poignant story about a sickly boy who finds solace in tending flowers from his window.
- Smike
Mentioned as the target of the failed abduction scheme by Squeers.
- Wackford Squeers
Implied to be the mastermind behind the attempt to carry off Smike.
Key passages
“It is a sad thing to see a little deformed child sitting apart from other children, who are active and merry, watching the games he is denied the power to share in.”
Tim reflects on the sorrow of watching a disabled child excluded from the joys of play.
Highlights the theme of compassion and the plight of the marginalized.
“Leave the house, for Heaven's sake! We have done wrong, we deserve it all.”
The young lady urges Nicholas to flee, fearing her father's wrath and the ruin of her reputation.
Illustrates the tension between romantic desire and social consequences.