# LXXII explained — The Old Curiosity Shop

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

## What happens

The chapter describes the death of Nell Trent and the aftermath. It details her peaceful passing, the grief of those around her, and the old man's (her grandfather's) descent into a broken-hearted state where he waits daily at her grave, eventually dying there. The narrative reflects on the universal truth of death and the virtues that arise from such losses.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death and Transcendence

Nell's death is portrayed as a peaceful transition, with the narrative emphasizing the virtues that arise from such losses and the hope of immortality.

### Innocence vs. Corruption

Nell's pure and innocent nature is highlighted in her death, contrasting with the corrupt world she left behind.

### Sacrifice and Devotion

The old man's unwavering devotion to Nell leads him to wait at her grave daily until his own death, illustrating the theme of sacrificial love.

## Character check-ins

### Nell Trent

Dies peacefully after a quiet decline, speaking of her journey with the old man and blessing those who helped her.

### Mr. Trent

The old man is grief-stricken after Nell's death, wanders seeking her, and eventually dies lying on her grave.

### The Schoolmaster

Present at Nell's deathbed and helps care for the old man afterward.

### Christopher Nubbles

Nell speaks of wanting to send her love to Kit, and the boy (her little friend) is mentioned as visiting her grave with dried flowers.

### Jacob

The little boy who was Nell's friend brings dried flowers and stays with the old man, helping to comfort him.

## Key lines

> She died soon after daybreak. They had read and talked to her in the earlier portion of the night, but as the hours crept on, she sunk to sleep.

Nell passed away shortly after dawn, having been read to and spoken with during the night before falling into a final sleep.

_Describes the peaceful moment of Nell's death._

> He was lying dead upon the stone. They laid him by the side of her whom he had loved so well; and, in the church where they had often prayed and

The old man was found dead on Nell's grave, and they buried him beside her in the church where they had often prayed.

_The old man's death and burial next to Nell._

> When Death strikes down the innocent and young, for every fragile form from which he lets the panting spirit free, a hundred virtues rise, in shapes of mercy, charity, and love, to walk the world, and bless it.

When the innocent and young die, their deaths give rise to many virtues like mercy, charity, and love that benefit the world.

_The narrator's reflection on the positive outcomes of such a death._

## Links

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