Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Of the proceedings of Nicholas, and certain internal divisions in the company of Mr. Vincent Crummles. explained
Nicholas enjoys continued success with the Crummles troupe in Portsmouth, earning twenty pounds from a benefit performance.
What happens
Nicholas enjoys continued success with the Crummles troupe in Portsmouth, earning twenty pounds from a benefit performance. He repays his debt to John Browdie and sends half his earnings to Newman Noggs for Kate, while concealing his acting work. Smike expresses curiosity about Nicholas's sister and learns of Ralph Nickleby's villainy. Mr. Folair delivers a challenge from Mr. Lenville, who is jealous of Nicholas's popularity. Nicholas calmly knocks Lenville down when he attempts to pull his nose, and Lenville apologizes under pressure from his wife. Nicholas then receives a worrying letter from Newman Noggs hinting that Kate may soon need his protection, prompting him to consider leaving the troupe.
Themes in this chapter
Resilience and Moral Integrity
Nicholas remains composed and fair in the face of Lenville's jealousy, refusing to escalate the conflict beyond what is necessary.
Family and Loyalty
Nicholas's primary concern is for his sister Kate, sending her money and worrying about her safety, while Smike's loyalty to Nicholas deepens.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas Nickleby
Continues his acting success, repays debts, sends money to Kate via Newman, and handles Lenville's challenge with composure.
- Smike
Shows deep affection for Nicholas, asks about his sister, and learns the name Ralph Nickleby, which he repeats to himself.
- Newman Noggs
Returns the ten pounds sent by Nicholas and writes a cryptic letter hinting that Kate may soon need her brother's protection.
- Mr. Lenville
Jealous of Nicholas's success, challenges him to a nose-pulling but is knocked down and forced to apologize.
- Mrs. Lenville
Pleads with her husband to apologize, citing her delicate condition, and helps defuse the confrontation.
- Vincent Crummles
Prolongs the troupe's stay in Portsmouth due to Nicholas's success; is informed of Nicholas's possible departure.
Key passages
“Possessed of this unexpected wealth, his first act was to enclose to honest John Browdie the amount of his friendly loan, which he accompanied with many expressions of gratitude and esteem, and many cordial wishes for his matrimonial happiness.”
With his newfound money, Nicholas immediately repaid John Browdie the loan, along with a warm letter of thanks and best wishes for his marriage.
Demonstrates Nicholas's integrity and gratitude.
“To Newman Noggs he forwarded one half of the sum he had realised, entreating him to take an opportunity of handing it to Kate in secret, and conveying to her the warmest assurances of his love and affection.”
He sent half the money to Newman Noggs, asking him to secretly give it to Kate with messages of his love.
Highlights Nicholas's devotion to his sister and his reliance on Newman.
“He is my uncle, but he is a villain, and has done me wrong.”
My uncle Ralph is a wicked man who has treated me unjustly.
Nicholas confides in Smike about Ralph's villainy.
“Nicholas bore his triumph, as he had his success in the little world of the theatre, with the utmost moderation and good humour.”
Nicholas handled his victory over Lenville with the same modesty and good nature he showed in his theatrical successes.
Emphasizes Nicholas's even-tempered character.
