# XLVIII explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Nicholas, heavy-hearted after his visit to Madeline Bray, returns to the Cheeryble countinghouse and struggles with his feelings of hopeless love. On his way home, he spots a playbill announcing the last appearance of Mr. Vincent Crummles and decides to attend the farewell supper. There he reunites with the Crummles family and their theatrical friends, witnesses speeches and toasts, and gives parting gifts. The chapter ends with a poignant farewell, as Crummles shows genuine emotion at their separation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Moral Integrity

Nicholas resolves to keep his promise to Madeline despite his hopeless love, showing his commitment to duty and moral strength.

### Family and Loyalty

The Crummles family's farewell supper highlights their close-knit bonds and loyalty to one another, as well as Nicholas's loyalty to his former companions.

## Character check-ins

### Nicholas Nickleby

Returns to the countinghouse in a pensive state after visiting Madeline Bray, struggles with his secret feelings, and later attends Crummles' farewell supper.

### Tim Linkinwater

Notices Nicholas's distraction and jokingly suggests he must have made a mistake in his figures.

### Vincent Crummles

The subject of the farewell supper; shows genuine emotion when parting with Nicholas, dropping his theatrical manner.

### Mrs. Crummles

Hosts the supper with her husband, presents the Phenomenon and the Master Crummleses, and delivers a memorable speech.

### Mr. Snittle Timberry

Acts as chairman at the supper, proposes toasts to Mr. and Mrs. Crummles, and performs gymnastic feats to show his 'indisposition.'

### Smike

Mentioned by Nicholas as 'the faithful Digby'; Nicholas reveals that Smike is very ill due to an enemy's attack.

## Key lines

> I will keep my word, as I have pledged it to her

Nicholas resolves to honor his promise to Madeline despite his personal feelings.

_Demonstrates Nicholas's commitment to duty and moral integrity._

> We were a very happy little company, Johnson. You and I never had a word. I shall be very glad tomorrow morning to think that I saw you again, but now I almost wish you hadn't come.

Crummles expresses bittersweet emotion at parting with Nicholas, showing genuine affection beneath his theatrical exterior.

_Highlights the theme of family and loyalty and the depth of Crummles' character._

## Links

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