Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Miss Knag, after doting on Kate Nickleby for three whole days, makes up her mind to hate her forevermore. The causes which led Miss Knag to form this resolution. explained
Kate Nickleby begins her work at Madame Mantalini's dressmaking establishment.
What happens
Kate Nickleby begins her work at Madame Mantalini's dressmaking establishment. Miss Knag, the forewoman, initially feigns affection for Kate after witnessing her awkwardness, but her true jealousy and hypocrisy emerge as she secretly plots to keep Kate in the background. The chapter explores the superficiality of charity and the petty cruelties of workplace dynamics, culminating in a visit to Miss Knag's brother's shop where Mrs. Nickleby's rambling conversation and Miss Knag's invented reminiscences highlight the theme of appearance versus reality.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Miss Knag's feigned affection for Kate masks her jealousy and spite, while her public praise contrasts with her private scheming.
Charity and Compassion
The narrator critiques how charity often seeks romanticized objects rather than addressing real, mundane suffering, as seen in Miss Knag's condescending pity.
Social Injustice and Corruption
Kate's hard life and the exploitation of workers like the charwoman highlight the systemic injustices of the period.
Characters to notice
- Kate Nickleby
Begins her novitiate at Madame Mantalini's; described as awkward and weary, she is manipulated by Miss Knag's false friendship.
- Miss Knag
The forewoman who initially pretends to adore Kate but secretly resents her; she schemes to keep Kate in the background and later turns against her.
- Madame Mantalini
The proprietress who dismisses Kate as awkward and ordinary, but laughs at Miss Knag's sycophantic behavior.
- Mrs. Nickleby
Kate's mother, who accompanies her to Miss Knag's brother's house and engages in rambling, self-absorbed conversation.
- Mr. Mortimer Knag
Miss Knag's brother, an ornamental stationer and circulating library keeper, who appears solemn and literary.
- Mrs. Blockson
The charwoman who argues with Miss Knag about her bonnet and the lack of coals.
Key passages
“There are many lives of much pain, hardship, and suffering, which, having no stirring interest for any but those who lead them, are disregarded by persons who do not want thought or feeling, but who pamper their compassion and need high stimulants to rouse it.”
Many people endure quiet suffering that goes unnoticed because it lacks drama; those who claim to be compassionate often need exciting stories to feel sympathy.
The narrator critiques the tendency to romanticize suffering, setting the tone for the chapter's exploration of false charity.
“I consider Miss Nickleby the most awkward girl I ever saw in my life.”
Madame Mantalini dismisses Kate as clumsy and unskilled.
This remark, made in private, contrasts with Miss Knag's public praise and reveals the true atmosphere of the workplace.
“I quite love the poor girl; and that if she was twice as indifferent-looking, and twice as awkward as she is, I should be only so much the more her friend, and that's the truth of it.”
Miss Knag claims to love Kate even more because of her flaws, but her words are insincere and self-serving.
This exaggerated declaration highlights Miss Knag's hypocrisy and foreshadows her eventual hatred.
