Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Chapter XXXVI explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Kenwigs muffles the knocker in a white kid glove to announce the birth of his new son. Nicholas delivers the shocking news that Mr. Lillyvick has married Henrietta Petowker, causing Mr. Kenwigs to fly into a rage and lament the loss of his relative's inheritance. After the commotion subsides, Mr. Kenwigs is put to bed, and the household settles down with Mrs. Kenwigs reported as well as can be expected.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Loyalty
Mr. Kenwigs's violent reaction to the news of Mr. Lillyvick's marriage reveals the family's dependence on expectations of inheritance and the betrayal of familial loyalty.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
The muffled knocker is a symbol of gentility and propriety, yet the household descends into chaos and selfish lamentation, contrasting outward form with inner reality.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Kenwigs
Has just been confined (given birth) and is resting; reported as 'as well as could be expected'.
- Mr. Kenwigs
Muffles the knocker to announce the birth, then becomes violently agitated upon learning of Mr. Lillyvick's marriage to Henrietta Petowker, lamenting the loss of expectations.
- Morleena Kenwigs
The eldest daughter, who faints upon hearing the news but recovers when not noticed; later announces a chamber for her father.
- Nicholas Nickleby
Delivers the message from Mr. Lillyvick about his marriage to Henrietta Petowker, causing the family uproar; later helps escort Mr. Kenwigs to bed.
- Henrietta Petowker
Mentioned as having married Mr. Lillyvick, which is the cause of Mr. Kenwigs's distress.
- Mr. Lillyvick
Reported to have married Henrietta Petowker, dashing the Kenwigses' expectations of inheritance.
Key passages
“Ah! Mrs. Kenwigs will be glad to hear from her. Henrietta Petowker, eh? How odd things come about, now! That you should have met her in the country! Well!”
Mrs. Kenwigs will be pleased to receive news about Henrietta Petowker. It's a strange coincidence that you encountered her in the countryside.
Nicholas begins to deliver the message about Henrietta Petowker, sparking the family's curiosity.
“My children, my defrauded, swindled infants!”
My children have been cheated and robbed of their inheritance!
Mr. Kenwigs laments the loss of expectations after learning of Mr. Lillyvick's marriage.
“The attention that I've shown to that man! The hyseters he has eat, and the pints of ale he has drank, in this house—!”
Think of all the hospitality I've given him—the oysters he ate and the ale he drank in our home!
Mr. Kenwigs bitterly recalls the favors he bestowed upon Mr. Lillyvick.