The Old Curiosity Shop · Chapter
Chapter III explained
The narrator observes the old man's secretive and anxious behavior, learning that his sole motivation is to secure a fortune for Nell to spare her the poverty that led to her mother's early death.
What happens
The narrator observes the old man's secretive and anxious behavior, learning that his sole motivation is to secure a fortune for Nell to spare her the poverty that led to her mother's early death. The old man reveals his fear of poverty despite apparent wealth, and the narrator concludes he is one of those tortured by dread of loss. Quilp visits, asserting his right to see Nell, and engages in a tense exchange with Swiveller, who hints at needing money. Quilp gives the old man gold, mocking his secrecy about investments. Later, the old man expresses his fears to Nell about her future and his own failing health, while she comforts him.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Suffering
The old man's driving motivation is to spare Nell the poverty that caused her mother's early death, and he himself has borne great poverty.
Greed and Exploitation
Quilp's manipulation and taunting of the old man, along with his interest in the secret investments, highlight exploitative greed.
Sacrifice and Devotion
The old man's entire scheme is for Nell's sake, and he expresses his devotion by hoping to leave her a fortune, even at great personal cost.
Characters to notice
- Nell Trent
Nell returns to the room and gives Kit a writing lesson, showing her gentle and nurturing nature. She later comforts her grandfather, hiding her tears as she leaves.
- Christopher Nubbles
Kit receives a writing lesson from Nell, struggling comically with blots and ink but showing earnest desire to learn.
- Daniel Quilp
Quilp visits the old man, asserting his right to see Nell, taunting the old man about his secret investments, and giving him gold. He displays a malicious and controlling demeanor.
- Richard Swiveller
Swiveller accompanies Quilp and attempts to mediate, hinting at the need for money ('fork') and performing a pantomime of secrecy before leaving.
- Mr. Trent
The old man reveals his deep anxiety about poverty and his sole aim to secure a fortune for Nell. He speaks of his fears and his hope that good fortune will come for her sake.
Key passages
“I have borne great poverty myself, and would spare her the sufferings that poverty carries with it. I would spare her the miseries that brought her mother, my own dear child, to an early grave.”
The old man explains that his own experience of poverty drives him to protect Nell from similar suffering, which he blames for her mother's death.
Reveals the old man's motivation and backstory.
“I could form no comprehension of his character, unless he were one of those miserable wretches who, having made gain the sole end and object of their lives and having succeeded in amassing great riches, are constantly tortured by the dread of poverty, and beset by fears of loss and ruin.”
The narrator speculates that the old man is a miser who, despite wealth, lives in constant fear of losing it.
Highlights the theme of poverty and the psychology of greed.
“The watchword to the old min is—fork.”
Swiveller hints to Quilp that the key to dealing with the old man is money.
Illustrates Swiveller's sly and humorous attempt to mediate.