In Nicholas Nickleby, what do you think would happen if Kate fell in love with S

Question: In Nicholas Nickleby, what do you think would happen if Kate fell in love with Smike, as opposed to Frank!?

I always wondered how their relationship would work out!. Do you think Smike may have regained some mental capacity!.!.!.would they be happy together!? I would love to hear any and all opinions!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Although Kate did love Smike, I believe it was more out of tenderness, and deep appreciation for being the friend he was to Nicholas, rather than any romantic feeling on her part!.
And although Smike worshipped Kate, I really doubt he would be able to maintain a real romantic relationship with her!. His long history of abuse at Dotheboys Hall, his physical and mental infirmities, would have prevented him from being the strong partner that Kate needed in her life!. He was already failing in health by the climactic scenes of the novel; the long journeying, the mental and emotional stresses he faced, had nearly worn him out!. Even with Kate's loving care, Smike could never have recovered fully, and I believe he would have instinctively known that Kate would have been sacrificing her happiness for his, which would have made his short life even sadder than it was!.
As it was, he had the opportunity to be in her company as long as he was able, to know that she cared for him and held him in her heart, and that, even if he was dying, that her happiness was ensured by being loved by Frank!.
A heart-breaker!? Yes!. But as far as real character goes, it rings true!.Www@QuestionHome@Com