Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Concerning a young lady from London, who joins the company, and an elderly admirer who follows in her train; with an affecting ceremony consequent on their arrival. explained
The Crummles theatre troupe enjoys success, and Nicholas learns that the celebrated Miss Henrietta Petowker is joining the company.
What happens
The Crummles theatre troupe enjoys success, and Nicholas learns that the celebrated Miss Henrietta Petowker is joining the company. Mr. Lillyvick, the water-rate collector, reveals his secret plan to marry her, fearing the jealousy of his niece's family. The wedding takes place with much ceremony and celebration, after which Nicholas helps Smike learn his role as the Apothecary for Romeo and Juliet, leading to a successful performance.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Mr. Lillyvick's marriage to Henrietta Petowker is driven by both affection and practical considerations, highlighting the transactional and secretive aspects of matrimony.
Charity and Compassion
Nicholas's patient and kindhearted teaching of Smike demonstrates compassion and selflessness.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Mr. Lillyvick presents himself as a cautious bachelor but secretly marries, while the troupe's theatrical success masks the mundane realities behind the scenes.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas Nickleby
Receives praise and payment for his acting; is taken into confidence by Mr. Lillyvick about his marriage; patiently coaches Smike in his role.
- Smike
Struggles to learn the Apothecary part but succeeds through Nicholas's patient teaching; performs well on stage.
- Vincent Crummles
Announces the arrival of Miss Petowker; praises his wife's past talents; hosts the wedding celebration.
- Henrietta Petowker
Arrives to join the troupe; marries Mr. Lillyvick in a secret ceremony.
- Mr. Lillyvick
Reveals his plan to marry Henrietta Petowker, fearing his family's reaction; marries her and departs for Ryde.
- Mrs. Crummles
Praised by her husband for her past talents; participates in the wedding ceremony and celebration.
Key passages
“I've got another novelty, Johnson... What should you say to a young lady from London?”
Mr. Crummles excitedly tells Nicholas about a new attraction: a young actress from London joining the company.
Highlights the theatrical promotion and Crummles' enthusiasm.
“A bachelor is a miserable wretch, sir... The great reason for not being married is the expense; that's what's kept me off, or else—Lord! I might have had fifty women.”
Mr. Lillyvick complains about the loneliness of bachelorhood and admits that financial concerns have prevented him from marrying, though he claims he could have had many wives.
Reveals Mr. Lillyvick's conflicted views on marriage and money.
“Never had master a more anxious, humble, docile pupil. Never had pupil a more patient, unwearying, considerate, kindhearted master.”
The narrator emphasizes the mutual dedication between Nicholas and Smike as teacher and student.
Illustrates the deep bond and compassion between the two characters.