Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Mr. Ralph Nickleby cuts an old acquaintance. It would also appear from the contents hereof, that a joke, even between husband and wife, may be sometimes carried too far. explained
Ralph Nickleby encounters a former employee, Brooker, who attempts to blackmail him with a secret hold over him.
What happens
Ralph Nickleby encounters a former employee, Brooker, who attempts to blackmail him with a secret hold over him. Ralph refuses to be intimidated, dismissing Brooker's threats and warning him away. Later, Ralph learns from Newman Noggs that Sir Mulberry Hawk has left for France due to illness, avoiding any retaliation for his drubbing. Ralph fumes over what he sees as the 'Devil's luck' protecting Nicholas.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Corruption
Ralph's ruthless pursuit of wealth and his dismissal of Brooker's plight illustrate the systemic corruption and lack of compassion in society.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
The narrator contrasts Ralph's open acknowledgment of his own avarice and hatred with the hypocrisy of other wealthy men who pretend to moral rectitude while engaging in similar exploitation.
Resilience and Moral Integrity
Despite Ralph's schemes, Nicholas's resilience and the failure of Sir Mulberry's retaliation suggest that integrity can withstand corruption.
Characters to notice
- Ralph Nickleby
Ralph is confronted by Brooker, an old acquaintance, and refuses his blackmail attempts. He later learns of Sir Mulberry Hawk's departure and is frustrated by Nicholas's apparent good fortune.
- Newman Noggs
Newman delivers news to Ralph that Sir Mulberry Hawk has left for France, taking pleasure in Ralph's annoyance.
- Mr. Brooker
Brooker, a former employee of Ralph, approaches him with a threat of revealing a secret, but Ralph rebuffs him.
- Sir Mulberry Hawk
Sir Mulberry has left for France on doctor's orders after a severe illness, avoiding any retaliation for his earlier conflict with Nicholas.
- Lord Frederick Verisopht
Lord Frederick has also left for France, accompanying Sir Mulberry.
Key passages
“I took advantage of my position about you, and possessed myself of a hold upon you, which you would give half of all you have to know, and never can know but through me.”
Brooker claims he has a secret leverage over Ralph that Ralph would pay dearly to learn.
Brooker attempts to blackmail Ralph with a hidden secret from their past.
“I am a careful man, and know my affairs thoroughly. I know the world, and the world knows me.”
Ralph asserts that he is shrewd and that the world already knows everything about him, so Brooker's secret is worthless.
Ralph dismisses Brooker's threat, confident in his reputation and control.
“There is some spell about that boy. Circumstances conspire to help him. Talk of fortune's favours! What is even money to such Devil's luck as this?”
Ralph bitterly reflects that Nicholas seems to have extraordinary luck, as even Sir Mulberry's illness prevents retaliation.
Ralph's frustration with Nicholas's apparent good fortune is evident after learning of Sir Mulberry's departure.