# XXXVII explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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