Nicholas Nickleby MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: June 2, 2025

Summary:

Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens is a novel that follows the struggles of the young and kind-hearted Nicholas Nickleby after the death of his father. Left penniless, Nicholas, his mother, and his sister Kate Nickleby seek help from their wealthy but cruel uncle, Ralph Nickleby. Instead of providing real assistance, Ralph sends Nicholas to work as an assistant at Dotheboys Hall, a harsh and abusive boarding school run by the cruel Wackford Squeers.

Appalled by the mistreatment of students, particularly a disabled boy named Smike, Nicholas rebels, beats Squeers, and escapes with Smike. The two set out on an adventurous journey, eventually joining a kind theater troupe led by Mr. Crummles. Meanwhile, Kate suffers harassment from Ralph’s corrupt associates, particularly Sir Mulberry Hawk, but finds support in the Cheeryble brothers, generous businessmen who offer Nicholas a respectable job.

As the story unfolds, Nicholas gains success, finds love with Madeline Bray, and fights against his uncle’s evil schemes. Ralph’s cruelty and selfishness ultimately lead to his downfall when he discovers that Smike, whom he despised, was actually his own son. Overcome with guilt and despair, Ralph takes his own life.

The novel ends with justice served—Nicholas and Kate find happiness, Smike is given a loving home before tragically passing away, and the villains receive their due punishment. Through this tale, Dickens critiques corruption, greed, and social injustices, while emphasizing themes of family, love, and resilience.