# XIII explained — The Old Curiosity Shop

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

## What happens

Richard Swiveller visits the old curiosity shop to find it dismantled and learns from Quilp that Nell and her grandfather have fled. Quilp, having bought the shop's goods, is both surprised and troubled by their disappearance, suspecting the old man has hidden wealth. Swiveller, disappointed that his romantic scheme is thwarted, leaves his card. Later, Quilp is roused by knocking and, mistaking Swiveller for his wife, attacks him, leading to a scuffle. Quilp then forces two boys to fight over a bird cage; Kit wins the cage, rescuing Nell's bird, and brings it home to his delighted family.

## Themes in this chapter

### Greed and Exploitation

Quilp's frustration over the old man's hidden wealth and his purchase of the shop's goods highlight his avarice and exploitative nature.

### Innocence vs. Corruption

Kit's selfless rescue of Nell's bird contrasts with Quilp's malicious manipulation, underscoring the clash between innocence and corruption.

### Family and Community

The Nubbles family's joyful reunion over Kit's triumph emphasizes the warmth and solidarity of family bonds.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Swiveller

Visits the shop, learns of the flight, and leaves his card with Quilp.

### Daniel Quilp

Has bought the shop's goods, is frustrated by the flight, and later scuffles with Swiveller before forcing a fight over a bird.

### Nell Trent

Has fled with her grandfather; her bird is rescued by Kit.

### Christopher Nubbles

Fights another boy to rescue Nell's bird and brings it home to his family.

### Sampson Brass

Awakens with Quilp and assists in the morning's events.

### Mrs. Nubbles

Anxiously greets Kit when he returns home bruised but triumphant.

## Key lines

> Where in the devil's name are they gone? said the wondering Dick.

Dick Swiveller, bewildered, asks where Nell and her grandfather have disappeared to.

_Swiveller's shock at the flight reflects his thwarted plans._

> I've been a fightin' for a bird and won him, that's all.

Kit explains that he fought and won the bird, downplaying his injuries.

_Kit's bravery and modesty are evident in this moment._

## Links

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