The Old Curiosity Shop · Chapter
Chapter VI explained
Quilp reads a letter from Nell's grandfather, proposes marriage to Nell, and later manipulates his wife into extracting secrets from the child about her grandfather's changed behavior and their past happiness.
What happens
Quilp reads a letter from Nell's grandfather, proposes marriage to Nell, and later manipulates his wife into extracting secrets from the child about her grandfather's changed behavior and their past happiness.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence vs. Corruption
Nell's innocence is contrasted with Quilp's manipulative and predatory behavior, as he proposes marriage and schemes to extract family secrets.
Greed and Exploitation
Quilp exploits his wife and Nell for personal gain, seeking to uncover the grandfather's secrets and using Mrs. Quilp as a tool.
Characters to notice
- Nell Trent
Nell stands timidly by as Quilp reads the letter, shows fear and distrust, and is distressed by Quilp's marriage proposal.
- Daniel Quilp
Quilp reads the letter with perplexity, proposes to Nell, and later coerces his wife into spying on the child.
- Mrs. Quilp
Mrs. Quilp is forced by her husband to deceive Nell and extract information, and later feels remorse for her role.
- Christopher Nubbles
Kit accompanies Nell to Quilp's house, stares threateningly at Quilp, and is instructed to take care of her.
Key passages
“Little Nell stood timidly by, with her eyes raised to the countenance of Mr. Quilp as he read the letter, plainly showing by her looks that while she entertained some fear and distrust of the little man, she was much inclined to laugh at his uncouth appearance and grotesque attitude.”
Nell watched Quilp nervously as he read, feeling both afraid of him and amused by his odd looks.
Highlights Nell's mixed emotions of fear and reluctant amusement toward Quilp.
“To be Mrs. Quilp the second, when Mrs. Quilp the first is dead, sweet Nell,' said Quilp, wrinkling up his eyes and luring her towards him with his bent forefinger, 'to be my wife, my little cherry-cheeked, red-lipped wife.'”
Quilp proposed to Nell, suggesting she become his wife after his current wife dies.
Illustrates Quilp's predatory and grotesque proposal to the young girl.
“Mind what I say to you,' whispered Quilp. 'See if you can get out of her anything about her grandfather, or what they do, or how they live, or what he tells her. I've my reasons for knowing, if I can.'”
Quilp ordered his wife to secretly question Nell about her grandfather's activities and secrets.
Shows Quilp's manipulative scheme to extract information through his wife.