II: The Emporium explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Mobility

  Kipps' apprenticeship and the hierarchical structure of the emporium highlight the rigid class divisions and limited opportunities for advancement.

• Education and Self-Improvement

  Kipps' lack of formal education and his exposure to the social expectations of being a gentleman reflect the theme of self-improvement.

• Love and Marriage

  Kipps' multiple engagements and flirtations with shop girls illustrate the superficial and transient nature of romantic relationships in the drapery world.

• Identity and Authenticity

  Kipps' struggle to adopt gentlemanly manners and his confusion about his own identity are central to his development.

Characters to notice

• Arthur Kipps

  Begins his apprenticeship at Shalford's, enduring fines and harsh treatment, and starts to develop romantic interests and social aspirations.

• Mr. Shalford

  The irascible, energetic owner of the Folkestone Drapery Bazaar who imposes a strict system of fines and rules on his employees.

• Buggins

  A thickset young man with a bald head and wise face who instructs Kipps in his duties and engages in intellectual banter with Carshot.

• Pierce

  A communicative fellow employee who gives Kipps hints about 'spooning' and romantic pursuits.

• Carshot

  A perspiring employee with a big nose who often mutters 'Oh, my heart and lungs!' during stressful times.

• Mrs. Kipps

  Referenced as 'young Artie' in the context of Kipps' earlier life and training.

• Woodrow

  Mentioned as the teacher who provided Kipps' general education before his apprenticeship.

• Booch

  A downtrodden, shabby little old man in the countinghouse who hands Kipps the card of rules and fines.

Key passages

• “When Kipps left New Romney, with a small yellow tin box, a still smaller portmanteau, a new umbrella, and a keepsake half-sixpence, to become a draper, he was a youngster of fourteen, thin, with whimsical drakes' tails at the poll of his head, smallish features, and eyes that were sometimes very light and sometimes very dark, gifts those of his birth; and by the nature of his training he was indistinct in his speech, confused in his mind, and retreating in his manners.”

  At age fourteen, Kipps left New Romney with minimal belongings to start as a draper's apprentice, appearing thin, with odd hair, and possessing a confused and timid demeanor due to his upbringing.

  Describes Kipps' humble beginnings and his ill-preparedness for the commercial world.

• “He became initiated into the mysteries of 'flirting,' and—at a slightly later stage, and with some leading hints from Pierce, who was of a communicative disposition in these matters—of the milder forms of 'spooning.' Very soon he was engaged. Before two years were out he had been engaged six times, and was beginning to be rather a desperate fellow, so far as he could make out.”

  Kipps learned about flirting and mild romantic gestures from Pierce, and quickly became engaged multiple times, feeling like a daring character.

  Highlights Kipps' romantic adventures and the casual nature of engagements among shop assistants.