The Old Curiosity Shop · Chapter
LIX explained
Kit is tricked by Sampson Brass into returning to the office, where a five-pound note is discovered missing.
What happens
Kit is tricked by Sampson Brass into returning to the office, where a five-pound note is discovered missing. Brass and Swiveller pursue Kit, bring him back, and search him, finding the note hidden in his hat. Kit is accused of theft and Brass calls for a constable.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Exploitation
Brass manipulates Kit's trust and poverty to frame him for theft, exploiting his position as a lawyer for personal gain.
Innocence vs. Corruption
Kit's honest nature is contrasted with Brass's scheming and Sally's cynicism, highlighting the corruption of the legal system.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Kit's lower-class status makes him an easy target for Brass's plot, reflecting the power imbalance between the wealthy lawyer and the poor errand boy.
Characters to notice
- Christopher Nubbles
Kit is lured back to the office by Brass's false kindness, then accused of stealing a five-pound note. He protests his innocence but is searched and the note is found in his hat.
- Sampson Brass
Brass feigns generosity toward Kit, then orchestrates the accusation of theft. He directs the search and calls for a constable, revealing his duplicity.
- Richard Swiveller
Swiveller assists in pursuing and holding Kit, though he privately offers to let him escape. He discovers the bank note in Kit's hat.
- Sally Brass
Sally taunts her brother about his trust in Kit and takes snuff while the accusation unfolds. She locks the door after Kit is brought back.
Key passages
“A poor widow struggling to maintain her orphans in decency and comfort, is a delicious picture of human goodness.”
Brass cynically describes Kit's mother as a sentimental image of virtue.
Brass uses false sympathy to manipulate Kit.
“I tell you, you aggravating vagabond, that I'd stake my life upon his honesty.”
Brass angrily defends Kit's honesty to Sally.
Brass's protestation is ironic given his later accusation.
“In the hat? Under the handkerchief, and tucked beneath the lining.”
Swiveller finds the bank note hidden in Kit's hat.
The discovery seals Kit's apparent guilt.