Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Of the great bespeak for Miss Snevellicci, and the first appearance of Nicholas upon any stage. explained
Nicholas is visited by actors Mr.
What happens
Nicholas is visited by actors Mr. Folair and Mr. Lenville, who discuss their roles in his new play. He then accompanies Miss Snevellicci and the Crummles phenomenon to solicit subscriptions for her benefit night, including a visit to the pretentious Mr. and Mrs. Curdle. Later, Nicholas watches the performance of a melodrama in which Miss Snevellicci and the company perform, and Mr. Crummles proposes staging Nicholas's play on her bespeak night.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Speculation
Nicholas's ambition to succeed as a playwright and actor is evident as he works on the play and prepares for his stage debut.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Mr. and Mrs. Curdle's pretentious literary criticism contrasts with their actual lack of genuine engagement with the drama.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas Nickleby
Rises early, discusses his play with actors, accompanies Miss Snevellicci on subscription calls, and watches the performance.
- Mr. Folair
Visits Nicholas with Mr. Lenville to discuss his role as the faithful servant and requests a dance.
- Mr. Lenville
Visits Nicholas to discuss his tragic role involving stabbing his eldest son and a remorse scene.
- Miss Snevellicci
Takes Nicholas on subscription calls for her benefit night; performs in the melodrama and is praised by Nicholas.
- Vincent Crummles
Manager who discusses staging Nicholas's play on Miss Snevellicci's bespeak night.
- Ninetta Crummles
The phenomenon who accompanies Nicholas and Miss Snevellicci, causing minor mishaps with her parasol and clothing.
Key passages
“House, house, house!”
A call to announce one's presence, used by Mr. Folair upon arriving at Nicholas's lodging.
Shows the theatrical camaraderie and informal manners of the actors.
“I must have a dance of some kind, you know.”
Mr. Folair insists on including a dance in the play, reflecting the popular demand for variety in theatrical performances.
Highlights the practical considerations of writing for the stage.
“The drama is gone, perfectly gone.”
Mrs. Curdle laments the decline of theatre, a common sentiment among critics of the era.
Illustrates the pretentiousness of the Curdles and their self-styled critical authority.