Nicholas Nickleby, Chapter 27 summary
Chapter 27 of 65 · 23 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 27, Mrs. Nickleby accepts a theater invitation after Pyke and Pluck encourage her belief that Sir Mulberry Hawk wants to marry Kate, leaving her blind to her daughter's distress. Hawk harasses Kate while his companions distract her protectors, then reveals that the evening is arranged through bribery to secure access to the Wititterlys.
What happens
- Mrs. Nickleby imagines Kate marrying Sir Mulberry Hawk and bringing the family wealth and social distinction.
- Pyke and Pluck flatter Mrs. Nickleby, praise Kate's portrait, and persuade her to accept Hawk's theater invitation.
- At the theater, Mrs. Nickleby discovers Kate in the neighboring box and mistakes her distress for love.
- The parties mingle, and Pluck occupies Mrs. Nickleby while Hawk forces his attentions on Kate.
- Hawk restrains Kate as they leave; she expresses her contempt, invokes her brother, and escapes into the coach crying.
- The men conceal Kate's distress through confusion, and Hawk boasts of their scheme while deceiving Lord Frederick Verisopht about his motives.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Hawk dismisses Kate's genuine rejection as an act. His question exposes the refusal to respect her wishes that governs his behavior throughout the encounter.
Quick check
How does Hawk discover where Kate's party plans to go?
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