LI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Greed and Exploitation

  Quilp, Brass, and Sally conspire for mutual advantage, exploiting Kit for personal gain and revenge.

• Class and Social Hierarchy

  The small servant's lowly status and Quilp's manipulative power over the Brasses highlight class dynamics.

• Innocence vs. Corruption

  The small servant's innocence contrasts with Quilp's corrupt schemes, and Kit's honest character is targeted by the corrupt trio.

Characters to notice

• Daniel Quilp

  Visits Bevis Marks, writes a note, interrogates the small servant, and later hosts a conspiratorial tea with the Brasses.

• Sampson Brass

  Attends Quilp's tea at the Wilderness, suffers from the cold and damp, and agrees to help Quilp against Kit.

• Sally Brass

  Attends the tea, remains composed despite the discomfort, and participates in the plot against Kit.

• The Small Servant

  Opens the door for Quilp, answers his questions with cryptic replies, and is observed closely by him.

• Tom Scott

  Serves as Quilp's valet, assists him, and later waits at the door during the tea, laughing at Brass's discomfort.

• Christopher Nubbles

  Discussed by Quilp and the Brasses as the target of their conspiracy; Quilp expresses hatred and a desire to harm him.

Key passages

• “Oh! Please will you leave a card or message?”

  The small servant asks Quilp if he would like to leave a card or a message.

  The small servant repeats her rehearsed phrase, showing her training and fear.

• “I don't like Kit, Sally.”

  Quilp tells Sally that he dislikes Kit.

  Quilp expresses his animosity toward Kit, setting the plot in motion.

• “Devise your own means of putting him out of my way, and execute them.”

  Quilp instructs the Brasses to find a way to eliminate Kit from his path.

  Quilp delegates the task of harming Kit to the Brasses.