XXXIV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Injustice and Corruption

  Squeers's exploitation of Smike and Ralph's usurious dealings with Mantalini illustrate systemic corruption.

• Family and Loyalty

  Ralph's twisted family loyalty manifests as hatred for Nicholas, while Squeers's 'charity' masks cruelty.

• Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

  Mantalini's fawning demeanor contrasts with his financial desperation; Squeers's paternal pride hides his greed.

Characters to notice

• Ralph Nickleby

  Ralph's hatred for Nicholas grows as he recalls past comparisons and schemes for revenge.

• Newman Noggs

  Newman admits Mantalini and Squeers, and reacts with cryptic outbursts to Squeers's boasts.

• Mr. Mantalini

  Mantalini visits Ralph to discount bills, acting flamboyantly and nervously when his wife arrives.

• Madame Mantalini

  Madame Mantalini appears unexpectedly, expressing shame at her husband's behavior.

• Wackford Squeers

  Squeers discusses Smike's origins with Ralph, revealing the boy was left at Dotheboys Hall years ago.

• Smike

  Smike is discussed as the target of Ralph's revenge plot, with Squeers providing details of his mysterious past.

Key passages

• “In exact proportion as Ralph Nickleby became conscious of a struggling and lingering regard for Kate, had his detestation of Nicholas augmented.”

  Ralph's growing affection for Kate made his hatred for Nicholas even stronger.

  Highlights Ralph's psychological conflict and motivation for revenge.

• “It is to melt some scraps of dirty paper into bright, shining, chinking, tinkling, demd mint sauce.”

  Mantalini wants to turn worthless bills into cash.

  Illustrates Mantalini's flamboyant speech and the theme of financial speculation.

• “He has the fatness of twenty boys, he has.”

  Little Wackford is extremely overweight compared to other boys.

  Squeers's boast reveals the neglect and starvation of other pupils at Dotheboys Hall.