# Chapter XXXIX explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

John and Tilda Browdie, along with Fanny Squeers, arrive in London. They meet Wackford Squeers, who boasts of having captured Smike and plans to take him back to Dotheboys Hall. John Browdie feigns illness to get access to Smike, then secretly releases him by removing the lock from the door.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Moral Integrity

John Browdie's clever and selfless rescue of Smike demonstrates moral integrity and resilience against Squeers' cruelty.

### Social Injustice and Corruption

Squeers' capture and intended re-imprisonment of Smike highlights the abuse of power and social injustice.

## Character check-ins

### John Browdie

Arrives in London with his wife and Fanny Squeers; feigns illness to rescue Smike from Squeers' captivity.

### Mrs. Browdie

Travels with John and Fanny; assists John's plan by claiming he will recover if left alone.

### Fanny Squeers

Travels to London with the Browdies; displays resentment toward Tilda and her marriage.

### Wackford Squeers

Meets the party in London; boasts of capturing Smike and plans to take him back to Yorkshire.

### Smike

Held prisoner by Squeers; is freed by John Browdie's clever ruse.

## Key lines

> I’ve got him, hard and fast.

Squeers boasts to the Browdies that he has captured Smike and has him securely locked up.

_Squeers reveals his triumph to the group, setting up the rescue plot._

> Dean’t say anoother wurd... We’d coom, if it was twonty mile.

John Browdie eagerly accepts Squeers' invitation to visit that evening, despite the distance.

_John's enthusiasm masks his true intention to help Smike._

> Thee didn’t need help, if thee warn’t as silly yoongster as ever draw’d breath. Wa’at did ’ee come here for, then?

John Browdie scolds Smike for not resisting Squeers more forcefully, but then softens, recognizing Smike's weakness.

_John's mix of frustration and compassion underscores his character._

## Links

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