Nicholas Nickleby

How is Kate victimized by her society? What is Dickens’s social critique as explored through Kate’s story?

How does Dickens characterize Mrs. Nickleby throughout the novel? What is her purpose or role in the narrative?

Mr. Squeers is presented as an antagonist. What societal problem does his antagonism represent?

Sir Mulberry is presented as an antagonist. What societal problem does his antagonism represent?

Newman Noggs is an underdog and ultimately a heroic figure. Why does Dickens include him in the novel? What purpose, both narratively and thematically, does Newman Noggs serve?

Compare and contrast the ways in which Dickens describes city life and country life. What is significant about these differences and/or similarities?

The Cheeryble brothers represent a significant shift in Nicholas’s life and a shift in the tone of the novel. How do the Cheeryble brothers make life “cheery”? What larger societal message do they represent?

Smike’s character is doomed to sadness and death. What forces, both individual and societal, cause his early death? What theme or message is Dickens communicating through Smike’s character?