# LI explained — The Old Curiosity Shop

> Chapter companion for The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Quilp visits Bevis Marks, encounters the small servant, and later hosts a tea party at the Wilderness with Sampson and Sally Brass, where they conspire against Kit Nubbles.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters/li
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_old_curiosity_shop_se/chapters