Nicholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his fortune. He encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest. explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Resilience and Moral Integrity

  Nicholas leaves London with little money but a light heart, determined to make his own way and protect his family's honor.

• Education and Exploitation

  Smike's recollections of his harsh treatment at Dotheboys Hall and his fragmented memories of a lonely childhood highlight the exploitation of vulnerable children.

Characters to notice

• Nicholas Nickleby

  Leaves London with Smike to seek his fortune, feeling both hope and anxiety about the future.

• Smike

  Accompanies Nicholas; reveals fragmented memories of his past, including a dark man who brought him to Yorkshire and a lonely room with a trapdoor.

• Newman Noggs

  Walks part of the way with Nicholas and Smike, providing a can of rum and milk for their journey and expressing concern about Nicholas's plans.

• Vincent Crummles

  Theatrical manager who meets Nicholas and Smike; is impressed by Smike's gaunt appearance and offers Nicholas a position in his troupe.

• Kate Nickleby

  Mentioned as Nicholas stands beneath her window, thinking of her and deciding not to say goodbye to spare her pain.

Key passages

• “The whole capital which Nicholas found himself entitled to, either in possession, reversion, remainder, or expectancy, after paying his rent and settling with the broker from whom he had hired his poor furniture, did not exceed, by more than a few halfpence, the sum of twenty shillings.”

  After paying his rent and settling his debts, Nicholas had barely twenty shillings left to his name.

  Highlights Nicholas's impoverished state at the start of his journey.

• “It was a cold, dry, foggy morning in early spring. A few meagre shadows flitted to and fro in the misty streets, and occasionally there loomed through the dull vapour, the heavy outline of some hackney coach wending homewards...”

  The morning was cold and foggy, with only faint shapes moving through the misty streets and the occasional sound of a coach passing by.

  Sets the atmospheric scene of London at dawn.

• “I was only thinking how— He shivered involuntarily as he spoke. 'Think no more of that place, for it is all over,' retorted Nicholas, fixing his eyes full upon that of his companion, which was fast settling into an unmeaning stupefied gaze...”

  Smike began to recall something but shivered; Nicholas told him to forget the past, noticing Smike's vacant stare returning.

  Shows Smike's traumatic memories and Nicholas's protective concern.

• “What a capital countenance your friend has got! ... Only let him be tolerably well up in the Apothecary in Romeo and Juliet, with the slightest possible dab of red on the tip of his nose, and he'd be certain of three rounds the moment he put his head out of the practicable door in the front grooves O.P.”

  Crummles praises Smike's gaunt face, saying he would be perfect for the role of the Apothecary in Romeo and Juliet with minimal makeup.

  Illustrates Crummles's theatrical eye and Smike's potential as a tragic actor.