Theatrical Emotion of Mr. Vincent Crummles
Phiz (Hablot K. Browne)
Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby
1838
Steel engraving
Source: J. A. Hammerton, The Dickens Picture-Book, p. 159.
Image scan and text by Philip V. Allingham.
As they hurried up to the coach, which was now in the open street and all ready for starting, Nicholas was not a little astonished to find himself suddenly clutched in a close and violent embrace, which nearly took him off his legs, nor was his amazement at all lessened by hearing the voice of Mr. Crummles exclaim, "It is he — my friend, my friend!"
"Bless my heart," cried Nicholas, struggling in the manager's arms, "what are you about?"
exclaiming as he did so, "Farewell, my noble, my lion-hearted boy!" [Ch. 30, "Festivities are held in honour of Nicholas, who suddenly withdraws himself from the Society of Mr. Vincent Crummles and his Theatrical Companions," Part 10, January 1839]
That the aged trouper of the provincial stages and pater familias of the strolling players (identified by Phiz by his large body and over-sized head, both of which eclipse Nicholas) should delight in another opportunity to feign emotion on the greater stage of life is delightful character comedy; but here it also serves as a contrast on the duplicitous Ralph Nickleby's feigned interest in the welfare of Kate and Nicholas. In contrast to the almost total lack of emotion displayed by the other male members of the company in Phiz's illustration, Crummles's protestations are transparently excessive. However, these harm nobody and are consistent with Dickens's caricature of the Victorian theatrical actor-manager. In the next chapter, Dickens reverts to implying the danger that Ralph's scheming poses to Kate, as he disguises his hatred of Nicholas and contempt for Mrs. Nickleby as he fantasizes about possessing Kate, whom he should be protecting from the lascivious advances of Sir Mulberry Hawk and his friends. With motivations less benign, Ralph, in juxtaposition to Vincent Crummles, is also playing the role of a father-figure who is concerned, and truly sympathetic.
References
Hammerton, J. A. The Dickens Picture-Book. London: Educational Book, 1910.
Last modified 25 April 2009