Nicholas Nickleby
Charles Dickens
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
Uncle Ralph
Why does Ralph Nickleby hate his brother's children?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of his calculating kindness to them at first?
- Is there anything human left in him?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
Why does Ralph Nickleby hate his brother's children?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of his calculating kindness to them at first?
- Is there anything human left in him?
How did you react to Wackford Squeers and his school?
Keep the conversation going
- What was Dickens attacking in Dotheboys Hall?
- How did you feel when Nicholas thrashed Squeers?
What does Smike mean to Nicholas, and to the novel?
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- How did you feel about the revelation of who Smike's father was?
- What did his death make you feel?
How does Kate defend herself against Sir Mulberry Hawk and her uncle's schemes?
Keep the conversation going
- What does her story say about the dangers facing young women?
- Did you like Kate as much as Nicholas?
What did you make of Mrs Nickleby's rambling speeches, and her neighbour's courtship over the wall?
Keep the conversation going
- Is she merely comic?
- How does she help or hinder her children?
What does Nicholas's time with Vincent Crummles's theatre company add?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of the Infant Phenomenon?
- Why does Nicholas leave the stage?
Are the Cheeryble brothers and Newman Noggs believable, or too good to be true?
Keep the conversation going
- What does Newman Noggs's quiet rebellion against Ralph show?
- What does the novel say about kindness and money?
How did you respond to Ralph's ruin and death?
Keep the conversation going
- Was it justice?
- What does his end say about a life built on money?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.