Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
XXXVII explained
Nicholas gains further favor with the Cheeryble brothers and Tim Linkinwater.
What happens
Nicholas gains further favor with the Cheeryble brothers and Tim Linkinwater. The brothers host a grand annual banquet. Upon returning home late, Nicholas learns from his mother that a mysterious neighbor has been making romantic advances toward her, including gifts of vegetables and a proposal of marriage and elopement.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Loyalty
Nicholas's concern for his mother and sister, and his desire to protect them, underscores family bonds.
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Mrs. Nickleby's flustered yet flattered reaction to the neighbor's advances contrasts with her protestations of disinterest.
Characters to notice
- Nicholas Nickleby
Returns home late from the Cheeryble banquet and learns of his mother's secret admirer.
- Mrs. Nickleby
Reveals to Nicholas that a neighbor has been sending gifts and proposing marriage.
- Smike
Sits up with Mrs. Nickleby listening to her family stories before being sent to bed.
- Tim Linkinwater
Celebrates his birthday with the Cheeryble brothers and Nicholas; described as methodical and devoted to the countinghouse.
- Charles Cheeryble
One of the brothers who hosts the birthday banquet and shows generosity toward Nicholas.
- Ned Cheeryble
The other brother who joins in the celebration and kindness toward Nicholas.
Key passages
“The city square has no enclosure, save the lamppost in the middle: and no grass, but the weeds which spring up round its base.”
The square is bare and unadorned, with only a lamppost and weeds instead of grass.
Sets the scene for the Cheeryble countinghouse, emphasizing its quiet, unassuming character.
“I am naturally anxious about it, and of course it's a very delightful and consoling thing to have a grownup son that one can put confidence”
Mrs. Nickleby feels comforted that she can confide in her adult son about personal matters.
Highlights the mother-son relationship and Mrs. Nickleby's reliance on Nicholas.
“he has done and said all sorts of things.”
The neighbor has made many romantic gestures and statements.
Mrs. Nickleby's vague description of the suitor's advances, leading to Nicholas's frustration.