As the door of the vehicle was roughly closed, a comb fell from Kate’s hair, close at her uncle’s feet; and as he picked it up, and returned it into her hand, the light from a neighbouring lamp shone upon her face. The lock of hair that had escaped and curled loosely over her brow, the traces of tears yet scarcely dry, the flushed cheek, the look of sorrow, all fired some dormant train of recollection in the old man’s breast; and the face of his dead brother seemed present before him, with the very look it bore on some occasion of boyish grief, of which every minutest circumstance flashed upon his mind, with the distinctness of a scene of yesterday.
Ralph Nickleby, who was proof against all appeals of blood and kindred—who was steeled against every tale of sorrow and distress—staggered while he looked, and went back into his house, as a man who had seen a spirit from some world beyond the grave.
Nicholas Nickleby, more fully, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, is Dickens’ third novel, originally published as a serial from 1838 to 1839. It is a sprawling tale that blends biting social commentary with comedy and adventure, following the fortunes of a young man forced to support his family after his father dies penniless. It incorporates a fierce critique of the cruel Yorkshire schools, an affectionate look at the travelling theatre and a harsh examination of London society. Integrity, genorosity and love triumph in the end.
The resources presented here are as follows:
- The Complete Text
- Characters
- Audio
- Video – RSC Production
- Other resources
- External link – original illustrations
- External links – Dickens Club articles