Nicholas Nickleby, Chapter 22 summary
Chapter 22 of 65 · 25 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 22, Nicholas leaves London with Smike to seek work in Portsmouth, but their journey brings them to an inn where they meet the theatrical manager Mr. Vincent Crummles. After hearing objections to his plan of finding work aboard a ship, Nicholas accepts employment for himself and Smike with the manager’s company.
What happens
- Nicholas visits his family’s windows without waking anyone, then leaves London with Smike and bids Newman Noggs an affectionate farewell.
- On the road, Nicholas questions Smike about his childhood and hears fragmentary memories of fear, isolation, and arrival in Yorkshire.
- After sleeping in Godalming, the travelers continue toward Portsmouth but stop at an inn because Smike is exhausted.
- They meet Mr. Vincent Crummles, watch his sons rehearse a sword fight, and share supper with the family.
- Crummles dismisses Nicholas’s hopes of shipboard employment and proposes theatrical work, including acting, publicity, and writing.
- Concern for Smike, dwindling money, and reluctance to leave his family persuade Nicholas to accept the offer.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Crummles offers both travelers an opening in theatrical work. Including Smike makes the proposal answer Nicholas’s responsibility for his companion as well as his own need.
Quick check
Why does Nicholas stop at the inn instead of continuing to Portsmouth?
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