Chapter XX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Loyalty

  The chapter explores the conflict between familial loyalty and self-interest, as Ralph disowns Nicholas while Kate and Miss La Creevy support him.

• Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

  Ralph presents himself as a benefactor while secretly undermining Nicholas, and Mrs. Nickleby's confusion highlights the gap between appearance and truth.

• Social Injustice and Corruption

  Nicholas's account of cruelty at Dotheboys Hall and Ralph's manipulative use of accusations illustrate systemic injustice.

Characters to notice

• Ralph Nickleby

  Confronts Mrs. Nickleby and Kate, accusing Nicholas of misconduct and disowning him.

• Nicholas Nickleby

  Returns home, defends his actions against Ralph's accusations, and decides to leave London.

• Kate Nickleby

  Defends Nicholas against Ralph's accusations and pleads with him to stay.

• Mrs. Nickleby

  Distressed and confused, she wavers between believing Ralph and supporting Nicholas.

• Miss La Creevy

  Accompanies Nicholas to his mother's house and witnesses the confrontation.

Key passages

• “I will not help him, or those who help him. With a full knowledge of what he brought upon you by so doing, he has come back in his selfish sloth, to be an aggravation of your wants, and a burden upon his sister's scanty wages.”

  Ralph declares he will not assist Nicholas or anyone who aids him, accusing Nicholas of laziness and of worsening the family's financial troubles.

  Ralph's refusal to help underscores his cruelty and the theme of family loyalty.

• “I interfered, to save a miserable creature from the vilest cruelty. In so doing, I inflicted such punishment upon a wretch as he will not readily forget, though far less than he deserved from me.”

  Nicholas explains that he intervened to protect a suffering child and punished the abuser, though not as severely as warranted.

  Nicholas defends his actions, highlighting his moral integrity and the theme of resilience.