Despite its brevity, "Nick" is a complex story with several nuanced
themes and instances of rich symbolism. For example, the cottage
of the laborer represents contentment and simplicity. Nick's wish
that the cottage would burn down symbolizes his discontent and
desire for more. Additionally, Nick's wish to become a flock of birds
and eat all of his neighbor's cherries symbolizes his greed and
desire for what he does not have, as well as his resentment at the
good fortune of others.
Rossetti published this story during the height of the Victorian Era
when social norms were shifting. The recent Industrial Revolution
had led to the rise of a new middle class, but it had also created
widespread poverty and inequality. Many people were struggling to
find their place in the rapidly changing world.
Nick's story reflects the social and economic tensions of the
Victorian era. It also explores the Victorian ideal of self-
improvement and is a commentary on the corruptive nature of
greed. In the Victorian era, it was believed that people could
improve their position in life through hard work and moral virtue.
Nick's redemption at the end of the story suggests that even those
who have made mistakes can be redeemed through self-
improvement and the help of others.
Although the story is a product of its time, it still has relevance
today. In contemporary society, people are constantly bombarded
with images of wealth and luxury through social media, advertising,
and other forms of mass media. They are told that happiness can be
bought. This can lead to feelings of envy and discontent, similar to
Nick's. This story is a reminder that it is important to be grateful for
what one has and to focus on personal happiness rather than
comparing oneself to others.
Nick comes to realize that wishing ill fortune on others only
backfires. He will never be able to enjoy his new power of
transformation if he only wants others to suffer. In this way,
Rossetti is commenting on how people receive back whatever they
put into the world.
The disagreeable conviction kept forcing itself upon his mind that,
after all, he had caused more injury to himself than to any of his
neighbours. Remembering, too, how contemptuously the fairy
woman had looked and spoken, he began to wonder how he could
ever have expected to enjoy her gift.
By this point in the story, Nick is beginning to mature and learn
from his mistakes. He is starting to see the world in a new light and
to understand that his actions have consequences. He is also
starting to develop a sense of empathy for others and to realize that
his happiness is not the only thing that matters.
Nick's story is also a reminder of the importance of community.
Nick's neighbors are forgiving and supportive, even after he has
acted very unneighborly. Without even meaning to, they help him to
learn from his mistakes and become a better person.
Even though the neighbors are presented as morally upstanding,
they are not completely beyond reproach, which is indicated by how
they speak ill of the dead miser. This indicates that they are still
normal people with both virtues and faults. Given this, Rossetti is
not arguing that people must be completely perfect. Instead, they
should reflect on their shortcomings, dedicate themselves to self-
improvement, and work to be a positive force in their community.
As such, Nick's story is a reminder that all people are capable of
growth and are connected.
It is also a reminder that contentment comes from within. When
Nick looks at what his neighbors have, he feels discontented. He is
blind to what he has and only sees what he lacks. Nick's neighbors,
on the other hand, are generally happy. It is not until Nick makes
his wishes that they experience any problems. Nick comes to
understand that seeing his neighbors suffer does not bring him any
joy. Rather, it causes him to look inward and realize that happiness
comes from living a good and honest life and helping those in need
