Ralph despises Nicholas and secures him a teaching position at Dotheboys Hall, a Yorkshire boarding school run by the cruel Wackford Squeers, who abuses and starves his pupils.

Ralph further exploits Kate by parading her before his dissolute associates, including Sir Mulberry Hawk, who harasses her.

In London, Nicholas, aided by Ralph’s clerk Newman Noggs, confronts his uncle over false accusations from Squeers’ daughter Fanny.

Nicholas falls for Madeline Bray, a penniless artist unknowingly ensnared in Ralph’s scheme.

The family mourns Smike but finds contentment, supported by allies like Noggs and Miss La Creevy.

Each number comprised 32 pages of text and two illustrations by Phiz: Digital editions Analysis Resources