Nicholas Nickleby · Chapter
Chapter XXXIX explained
John and Tilda Browdie, along with Fanny Squeers, arrive in London.
What happens
John and Tilda Browdie, along with Fanny Squeers, arrive in London. They meet Wackford Squeers, who boasts of having captured Smike and plans to take him back to Dotheboys Hall. John Browdie feigns illness to get access to Smike, then secretly releases him by removing the lock from the door.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Resilience and Moral Integrity
John Browdie's clever and selfless rescue of Smike demonstrates moral integrity and resilience against Squeers' cruelty.
- Social Injustice and Corruption
Squeers' capture and intended re-imprisonment of Smike highlights the abuse of power and social injustice.
Characters to notice
- John Browdie
Arrives in London with his wife and Fanny Squeers; feigns illness to rescue Smike from Squeers' captivity.
- Mrs. Browdie
Travels with John and Fanny; assists John's plan by claiming he will recover if left alone.
- Fanny Squeers
Travels to London with the Browdies; displays resentment toward Tilda and her marriage.
- Wackford Squeers
Meets the party in London; boasts of capturing Smike and plans to take him back to Yorkshire.
- Smike
Held prisoner by Squeers; is freed by John Browdie's clever ruse.
Key passages
“I’ve got him, hard and fast.”
Squeers boasts to the Browdies that he has captured Smike and has him securely locked up.
Squeers reveals his triumph to the group, setting up the rescue plot.
“Dean’t say anoother wurd... We’d coom, if it was twonty mile.”
John Browdie eagerly accepts Squeers' invitation to visit that evening, despite the distance.
John's enthusiasm masks his true intention to help Smike.
“Thee didn’t need help, if thee warn’t as silly yoongster as ever draw’d breath. Wa’at did ’ee come here for, then?”
John Browdie scolds Smike for not resisting Squeers more forcefully, but then softens, recognizing Smike's weakness.
John's mix of frustration and compassion underscores his character.
