Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Mrs. Nickleby Becomes Acquainted with Messrs. Pyke and Pluck, Whose Affection and Interest Are Beyond All Bounds explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Nickleby is visited by Messrs. Pyke and Pluck, who flatter her and invite her and Kate to the theater on behalf of Sir Mulberry Hawk. She indulges in fantasies of Kate marrying Sir Mulberry and becoming Lady Mulberry Hawk. At the theater, Kate is forcibly separated from her mother and escorted by Sir Mulberry, who harasses her despite her protests. Kate threatens him with her brother's vengeance.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this scene, the emotional peak is the rare, unguarded happiness of the group, particularly John Browdie’s e…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Pyke and Pluck feign extravagant admiration for Kate's portrait and Mrs. Nickleby's company, masking Sir Mulberry Hawk's predatory intentions.
- Social Injustice and Corruption
Sir Mulberry Hawk uses his wealth and social position to harass Kate, who is powerless to escape his advances despite her protests.
- Family and Loyalty
Kate's threat to involve her brother Nicholas highlights the theme of familial loyalty and protection against external threats.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Nickleby
Flattered by Pyke and Pluck, she fantasizes about Kate marrying Sir Mulberry Hawk and becoming Lady Mulberry Hawk.
- Kate Nickleby
Forced to endure Sir Mulberry Hawk's company at the theater; she angrily rejects his advances and threatens him with her brother's retaliation.
- Sir Mulberry Hawk
Arranges for Kate and her mother to attend the theater; he harasses Kate and dismisses her protests, finding her anger attractive.
- Mr. Pyke
Visits Mrs. Nickleby with Mr. Pluck, flattering her and helping to orchestrate Kate's exposure to Sir Mulberry.
- Mr. Pluck
Accompanies Mr. Pyke to Mrs. Nickleby's home; he flatters her and distracts her at the theater to allow Sir Mulberry to be alone with Kate.
- Lord Frederick Verisopht
Present at the theater, he is left to talk with Mrs. Wititterly while Sir Mulberry escorts Kate.
Key passages
“Your daughter has made a conquest—a conquest on which I may congratulate you. Sir Mulberry, my dear ma’am, Sir Mulberry is her devoted slave.”
Mr. Pluck tells Mrs. Nickleby that Sir Mulberry Hawk has fallen in love with Kate.
This flattering statement is a manipulation to gain Mrs. Nickleby's cooperation in bringing Kate into Sir Mulberry's company.
“I hold you in the bitterest detestation and contempt, sir. If you find any attraction in looks of disgust and aversion, you—let me rejoin my friends, sir, instantly.”
Kate angrily tells Sir Mulberry that she despises him and demands to be released.
Kate's defiance shows her moral integrity and resistance to Sir Mulberry's predatory behavior.
