# In which Mr. Ralph Nickleby is relieved, by a very expeditious process, from all commerce with his relations. explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Nicholas returns to Newman Noggs and Smike, bruised from his fight with Sir Mulberry Hawk. After learning the full extent of Ralph's villainy, he arranges for his mother and sister to leave their respective residences immediately. He sends a letter to Ralph renouncing him and all ties, and Kate is quickly removed from the Wititterlys'. Ralph reads the letter with cold fury, while Newman Noggs watches in silent satisfaction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Loyalty

Nicholas acts decisively to protect his sister and mother, renouncing Ralph and severing all ties with him.

### Resilience and Moral Integrity

Despite his injuries and exhaustion, Nicholas refuses to rest until his family is safe and his moral stand against Ralph is taken.

## Character check-ins

### Nicholas Nickleby

Returns bruised and determined after his fight with Sir Mulberry Hawk; arranges for his mother and sister to leave immediately and sends a renunciatory letter to Ralph.

### Newman Noggs

Anxiously awaits Nicholas, tends his wounds with excessive vigor, and delivers the letter to Ralph with barely concealed glee.

### Smike

Sits anxiously with Newman waiting for Nicholas; is told that Newman will call for him shortly.

### Kate Nickleby

Found pale and miserable at the Wititterlys'; is immediately removed by Nicholas and expresses her relief and gratitude.

### Mrs. Nickleby

Is hurriedly moved from her lodgings by Nicholas, with characteristic fussiness over forgotten items.

### Ralph Nickleby

Receives Nicholas's letter of renunciation; reads it twice, falls into a dark muse, and then turns furiously on Newman.

## Key lines

> Your kindred renounce you, for they know no shame but the ties of blood which bind them in name with you.

Your family disowns you; the only shame they feel is being related to you.

_Nicholas's letter to Ralph, formally severing all family ties._

> I will leave you nowhere... never again, Kate.

I will never abandon you again, Kate.

_Nicholas's vow to his sister after learning of her suffering._

## Links

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