Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
XXXVIII explained
Sir Mulberry Hawk, recovering from his injuries, vents his fury against Nicholas Nickleby, but Lord Frederick Verisopht unexpectedly defends Nicholas and his sister Kate, asserting their virtue and condemning cowardly attacks.
What happens
Sir Mulberry Hawk, recovering from his injuries, vents his fury against Nicholas Nickleby, but Lord Frederick Verisopht unexpectedly defends Nicholas and his sister Kate, asserting their virtue and condemning cowardly attacks. Meanwhile, Kate enjoys newfound tranquility living with her brother, while Miss La Creevy observes a troubling change in Smike, who has grown more conscious of his intellectual limitations and increasingly dejected.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Lord Frederick Verisopht, initially appearing as a frivolous dandy, reveals a genuine moral conscience, contrasting with the corrupt and vengeful Sir Mulberry Hawk and Ralph Nickleby.
Family and Loyalty
Kate's restored happiness stems from being reunited with her brother Nicholas, while Ralph's hatred for Nicholas underscores the fractured family bonds.
Resilience and Moral Integrity
Kate's emotional recovery and Lord Frederick's stand for justice exemplify resilience and integrity in the face of adversity and corruption.
Characters to notice
- Sir Mulberry Hawk
Lying injured and bedridden, he rages against Nicholas Nickleby and is surprised by Lord Frederick's defense of the Nicklebys.
- Ralph Nickleby
Visits Sir Mulberry, stoking his hatred for Nicholas, and is astonished by Lord Frederick's unexpected moral stand.
- Lord Frederick Verisopht
Defends Nicholas and Kate Nickleby with unusual vehemence, condemning cowardly attacks and asserting Kate's virtue.
- Kate Nickleby
Enjoys a settled feeling of tranquility and happiness living with her brother, her cheerfulness and beauty restored.
- Smike
Shows a troubling change: more conscious of his weak intellect, brooding sorrowfully, and dejected, though still willing and faithful.
- Miss La Creevy
Observes Smike's decline, cheers him up, and prepares to return to London via omnibus.
Key passages
“I do believe, now; upon my honour I do believe, that the sister is as virtuous and modest a young lady as she is a handsome one; and of the brother, I say this, that he acted as her brother should, and in a manly and spirited manner.”
Lord Frederick Verisopht declares his belief in Kate's virtue and praises Nicholas for acting honorably and courageously as a brother.
This marks a turning point in Lord Frederick's character, showing his moral awakening and defense of the Nicklebys.
“I am sure that since he has been here, he has grown, from some strong cause, more conscious of his weak intellect. He feels it more. It gives him greater pain to know that he wanders sometimes, and cannot understand very simple things.”
Miss La Creevy observes that Smike has become painfully aware of his mental limitations, causing him deep sorrow and dejection.
This highlights Smike's emotional deterioration and the psychological impact of his circumstances.