# XXXII explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Nicholas and Smike arrive in London, where Nicholas's anxiety to see his sister drives him to seek Newman Noggs. He overhears a conversation at a tavern in which Sir Mulberry Hawk and his companions mock Kate Nickleby and reveal Ralph's villainy. Confronting Sir Mulberry, Nicholas challenges him and a violent struggle ensues, resulting in Nicholas being thrown from the carriage and injured.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Corruption

The chapter highlights the corruption of the wealthy (Sir Mulberry, Ralph) who exploit and mock the vulnerable, while the poor struggle in the shadows of opulence.

### Family and Loyalty

Nicholas's fierce defense of his sister's honor and his determination to protect her from slander and harm exemplify family loyalty.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

The glittering displays of wealth in London contrast with the poverty and suffering of the crowds, and Sir Mulberry's polished exterior hides his brutal character.

## Character check-ins

### Nicholas Nickleby

Arrives in London, confronts Sir Mulberry Hawk after overhearing insults about his sister, and is injured in the ensuing struggle.

### Smike

Travels with Nicholas to London and is awakened upon their arrival.

### Sir Mulberry Hawk

Leads the conversation mocking Kate Nickleby, is challenged by Nicholas, and strikes him with a whip before his carriage bolts.

### Kate Nickleby

Her name and virtue are derided by Sir Mulberry and his companions, prompting Nicholas's confrontation.

### Ralph Nickleby

His villainy is revealed through the overheard conversation.

### Newman Noggs

Not present when Nicholas arrives, but has prepared his room and left word for him.

## Key lines

> I am the son of a country gentleman, your equal in birth and education, and your superior I trust in everything besides.

Nicholas declares himself Sir Mulberry's social equal and morally superior, demanding accountability for his treatment of Kate.

_Nicholas asserts his dignity and challenges Sir Mulberry's assumption of superiority._

> Life and death went hand in hand; wealth and poverty stood side by side; repletion and starvation laid them down together.

The narrator observes the stark contrasts of London, where opulence and misery coexist without regard.

_This passage underscores the theme of social injustice and the indifference of the city to human suffering._

> I denounce this person as a liar, and impeach him as a coward.

Nicholas publicly accuses Sir Mulberry of being both dishonest and a coward.

_Nicholas's formal challenge escalates the confrontation and forces the issue of honor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters