MBTI Type: ISFJ
Smike seems to live his life entirely for others, throughout much of the story. He has never known anything but unkindness before Nicholas comes to the school and shows him tenderness, but that allows him to believe there might be some good in the world worth searching for. He does everything he is told, and is ‘worked half to death,’ but only runs away after Nicholas promises him that “we might meet out there in the world.” After that, after Nicholas rescues him, he spends all of his time utterly devoted to his new friend, in which he has found “a home.” His sweetness, goodness, and generosity of spirit make him likable to everyone who meets him, and he desperately wants to please them all. Even though he struggles to get out his words at the play, it emboldens and cheers him to have others applaud and encourage him, showing his Fe’s deep need for acceptance, kindness, and affirmation. Even though he endures much hardship, he never has an unkind word for anyone, and rather freely talks about his feelings even though he is shy. But he does not want Kate to know how much he loves her, and asks Nicholas to conceal the lock of her hair from her, but also bury it close to his heart after he dies. Smike has no real dreams for himself, although he does wonder why bad things have happened to him. He shows a low Ne’s innocent hope for the future, once he knows it can contain more than he ever imagined it would.
Enneagram: 9w1 so/sp
Smike has learned to survive by doing whatever he is told, and not making a fuss, but he is easily hurt by cruelties, and is looking for someone to save and protect him. He tries to get by, by making himself small and doing whatever is required of him, in an attempt to remain invisible and deflect any potential abuse. He becomes devoted to Nicholas once the young man stands up for him, and follows his example in finding his courage. Nicholas says of him that he is a sweet, tender-hearted soul, who might have ‘healed his father’s cruel heart,’ if he had been allowed to love him. Everyone loves Smike for being so gentle and compassionate, for forgiving even when it isn’t due, and for wanting for very little in life. He has no great ambitions of his own, merely the desire to be with the ones he loves and to do what is right. Smike doesn’t want to cause a fuss or inconvenience anyone, but also tends to take on the traits of whomever he is around—he wants to merge into Nicholas and take refuge in his strength, and inspired by him, attempts to run away to find his freedom. Despite his awful situation, Smike has managed to remain kind, good-hearted, and happy.
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