In a novel of Charles Dickens, a high spirited boy of 19 is left penniless along with his mother and sister Kate on the death of his father. Which of the following is the novel?

The correct option is Nicholas Nickleby.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Analyze the Plot Description: The question describes a novel by Charles Dickens featuring a high-spirited 19-year-old boy who is left penniless with his mother and his sister Kate following the death of his father.

2. Identify the Characters:
- The protagonist of the novel is Nicholas Nickleby, a 19-year-old youth.
- His mother is Mrs. Nickleby.
- His sister is named Kate Nickleby.
- Upon the death of Nicholas's father, the family is left completely destitute and penniless, forcing them to travel to London to seek help from Nicholas's cold-hearted uncle, Ralph Nickleby.

3. Verify Against Other Options:
- Oliver Twist follows the life of a young orphan boy, Oliver, who is much younger and does not fit this family description.
- David Copperfield follows David's life from childhood, and he does not have a sister named Kate.
- Hard Times focuses on the Gradgrind family (Thomas, Louisa, Tom) and does not match the described premise.
Therefore, the novel described is indeed Nicholas Nickleby.