Summary
Nicholas Nickleby is one of Charles Dickens's most beloved novels, renowned for its vibrant characters and scathing social commentary. First published in book form in 1839, this sprawling tale follows the adventures of its titular hero as he navigates the harsh realities of 19th-century England, encountering a colorful cast of eccentric and often unscrupulous characters along the way. The novel's theatrical flair and Dickens's signature blend of humor and pathos have made Nicholas Nickleby an enduring classic.
Plot
Nicholas Nickleby, a young gentleman whose family has fallen on hard times, must venture out into the world to make his fortune after his father's death. Left penniless, he appeals to his wealthy but cold-hearted uncle Ralph for assistance. Ralph, however, proves to be unscrupulous and sends Nicholas to work at Dotheboys Hall, a brutal Yorkshire boarding school run by the cruel Wackford Squeers.
At Dotheboys Hall, Nicholas witnesses the mistreatment of the students, particularly a slow-witted orphan named Smike. Unable to tolerate the abuse, Nicholas defies Squeers and flees the school with Smike. Their journey leads them to join a colorful traveling theater troupe led by the eccentric Mr. and Mrs. Crummles. Here, Nicholas finds temporary respite and adventure as he becomes part of their theatrical world.
Throughout his travels, Nicholas encounters a host of memorable characters and faces numerous challenges. He strives to protect his mother and sister from his uncle's machinations while navigating the complexities of 19th-century English society. Nicholas's adventures take him from the grim realities of Dotheboys Hall to the vibrant world of the stage, as he seeks to establish himself and secure a better future for his family.
Themes
Social injustice and class disparity
The power of perseverance and resilience
Family loyalty and responsibility
The contrast between virtue and villainy
The importance of education and its reform
The role of theater and performance in society
The impact of greed and corruption on individuals and institutions
Setting
Nicholas Nickleby unfolds in 19th-century England, a time of great social and economic change driven by the Industrial Revolution. This era is characterized by stark contrasts between the wealthy and the poor, with social injustice and exploitation rampant.
The story primarily takes place in London, the bustling capital of England and the British Empire. However, significant portions of the narrative also occur in Yorkshire, a northern county known for its rugged landscapes and, in Dickens's portrayal, harsh boarding schools. The contrast between the urban sophistication of London and the rural bleakness of Yorkshire adds depth to the novel's setting.
Within these broader geographical areas, Dickens vividly brings to life specific locations that become integral to the story. These include the notorious Dotheboys Hall in Yorkshire, a cruel boarding school run by the villainous Wackford Squeers, and the colorful world of the theater in London, represented by the troupe of Vincent Crummles. These settings serve not only as backdrops but as microcosms of the larger society Dickens seeks to critique.
Characters
Nicholas Nickleby: The young, kindhearted protagonist who must support his family after his father's death. He faces numerous challenges and adventures throughout the novel.
Ralph Nickleby: Nicholas's cruel and greedy uncle who schemes against his nephew. He is a coldhearted moneylender driven by wealth and revenge.
Kate Nickleby: Nicholas's younger sister, known for her beauty and virtue. She faces her own struggles against unwanted advances and difficult circumstances.
Mrs. Nickleby: Nicholas and Kate's mother, a well-meaning but excessively talkative and often foolish woman. She frequently misunderstands situations and makes matters worse for her children.
Smike: A poor, abused young man rescued by Nicholas from Dotheboys Hall. He becomes Nicholas's loyal companion and friend throughout their adventures.
Wackford Squeers: The brutal, one-eyed schoolmaster of Dotheboys Hall. He mistreats the boys in his care and becomes one of Nicholas's main adversaries.
Madeline Bray: A beautiful young woman Nicholas falls in love with. She is caught in a difficult situation due to her father's debts.
Newman Noggs: Ralph Nickleby's clerk who secretly aids Nicholas and his family. His good heart is sometimes overshadowed by his eccentric quirks and drinking problem.
Lord Frederick Verisopht: A young nobleman who becomes entangled in Ralph Nickleby's schemes. He grows more honorable as the story progresses.
Sir Mulberry Hawk: A lecherous and violent nobleman who pursues Kate Nickleby. He is one of the novel's main villains alongside Ralph Nickleby.
Quick facts
Charles Dickens wrote Nicholas Nickleby when he was just 26 years old.
The novel was published as a serial in 19 monthly installments from 1838 to 1839 before being released in book form in 1839.
Dickens based the character of the cruel Wackford Squeers on a real Yorkshire schoolmaster named William Shaw.
The book’s success led to the closure of several abusive Yorkshire schools that resembled Dotheboys Hall.
Nicholas Nickleby was Dickens's third novel, following The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist.
The novel's full original title was The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.
Dickens wrote much of the novel while living at 48 Doughty Street in London, which is now the Charles Dickens Museum.
Dickens based the character of Mrs. Nickleby on his own mother, Elizabeth Dickens.
Nicholas Nickleby is known for its theatrical elements and eccentric characters, making it one of Dickens's most exuberant works while still addressing serious social issues.
Among the novel’s notable adaptations is the Royal Shakespeare Company's 1980 stage production, with a total running time of eight-and-a-half hours.
Roger Rees won the Tony Award for playing Nicholas Nickeby on Broadway.
A 2002 film version featured Nathan Lane as Vincent Crummies and Anne Hathaway as Madeline Bray with Charlie Hunnam in the title role.
Dickens's portrayal of the acting troupe in the novel was inspired by his own brief experience as an actor in his youth.
About the Author
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was one of the most popular and influential English novelists of the Victorian era. He began his career as a journalist before achieving fame with his first novel, The Pickwick Papers, in 1837. He went on to write numerous beloved and acclaimed classics, including Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, and Bleak House. Dickens's vivid characters, intricate plots, and sharp social commentary made him immensely popular with readers across class lines during his lifetime.
Born in Portsmouth, Dickens endured a difficult childhood that included working in a factory at age 12 when his father was imprisoned for debt. His early experiences profoundly influenced his writing. A master of serialized fiction, Dickens would publish most of his major novels in monthly or weekly installments, building suspense with cliffhanger endings that kept Victorian readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter. His writing style was marked by a flair for caricature, flights of fancy, and sentimental scenes juxtaposed with harsh social realities. Through his fiction, Dickens powerfully depicted the ills of Victorian society and championed social reform.
Beyond his literary output, Dickens was a tireless performer who captivated audiences with dramatic readings from his works. He undertook numerous reading tours in Britain and America that further cemented his fame. Dickens died at age 58, leaving his final novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, unfinished.
