Kipps · Chapter
The Unexpected explained
Kipps, working at the Emporium, sees an advertisement in the paper that seems to be about him, but he is initially hesitant and anxious about responding.
What happens
Kipps, working at the Emporium, sees an advertisement in the paper that seems to be about him, but he is initially hesitant and anxious about responding. After some deliberation, he writes and posts a letter in reply. Later, he receives news that he has inherited a fortune of twelve hundred pounds a year, leading to an excited celebration among his colleagues at the shop.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Kipps' inheritance represents a sudden leap in social class, and his colleagues' reactions highlight the importance of money in achieving status.
Wealth and Its Consequences
The chapter explores the transformative power of wealth, as Kipps goes from a lowly assistant to the center of attention, with plans for travel and luxury.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Kipps
Kipps is the central figure, torn between hope and fear as he responds to an advertisement and later learns of his inheritance.
- Buggins
Kipps' fellow assistant, who offers cynical advice about advertisements and later shares the bedroom, providing a contrast to Kipps' excitement.
- Carshot
A shopwalker who calls Kipps to attend to customers and later joins in the celebration, suggesting Kipps will become a 'Swell.'
- Pierce
A colleague who congratulates Kipps and suggests he might become a man about town in London.
- Miss Mergle
A staff member who expresses that Kipps deserves his good fortune and congratulates him.
- Mr. Shalford
Mentioned as the employer who turns off the gas early, but not directly present in the chapter's events.
Key passages
“He said he lived with his uncle and aunt, but he did not say that they kept a toy shop, and to tell anyone that his uncle had been a butler— a servant! —would have seemed the maddest of indiscretions.”
Kipps hides his family's humble background, ashamed that his uncle was a servant.
Illustrates Kipps' anxiety about social status and his desire to appear respectable.
“I'm a good mind to write that letter, he said, and then, finding Buggins preoccupied wrapping his washing up in the half sox, added to himself, a thundering good mind.”
Kipps decides to write the letter responding to the advertisement despite his doubts.
Shows Kipps' internal conflict and his eventual decision to take a risk.
“Twelve hundred a year! Great Scott! You aren't thinking of marrying anyone, are you, Mr. Kipps?”
A colleague exclaims in surprise at Kipps' inheritance and jokingly asks if he plans to marry.
Highlights the suddenness and magnitude of Kipps' fortune, and the social expectations it brings.