Nicholas Nickleby, Chapter 3 summary
Chapter 3 of 65 · 17 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, Ralph Nickleby learns of his brother’s death, visits the penniless widow and children, and proposes a poorly paid teaching job for Nicholas in Yorkshire. Nicholas accepts the plan because Ralph promises to help his mother and sister, while their tense encounter establishes Ralph’s hatred of his nephew.
What happens
- Newman Noggs brings Ralph a letter announcing his brother’s death and the surviving family’s presence in London.
- Ralph urges Miss La Creevy to remove the family from their rented rooms when their paid week ends.
- Ralph visits Mrs. Nickleby and her children, dismisses their grief, and clashes with Nicholas.
- He suggests work for Kate and reads an advertisement seeking an assistant at Wackford Squeers’s school.
- Nicholas agrees to seek the job after Ralph makes help for his mother and sister conditional on his acceptance.
- Nicholas imagines prosperity and reunion, then leaves with Ralph to find Squeers.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Ralph makes the women’s support depend on Nicholas accepting the proposed employment. This pressure changes Nicholas’s resistance into eager cooperation.
Quick check
Why does Nicholas agree to seek the assistantship?
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