The Old Curiosity Shop · Chapter
XVI explained
Nell and her grandfather encounter two itinerant Punch showmen, Tommy Codlin and Short, in a churchyard.
What happens
Nell and her grandfather encounter two itinerant Punch showmen, Tommy Codlin and Short, in a churchyard. They join the showmen at a public-house, where Nell mends a puppet. After the performance, they share supper, and Nell hides a gold coin in her dress for emergencies, reflecting on their uncertain future.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence vs. Corruption
Nell's innocent care for her grandfather contrasts with Codlin's cynical view of human nature and the deceptive nature of the puppet show.
Poverty and Suffering
Nell's anxiety about their dwindling money and her decision to hide a gold coin highlight their precarious financial state.
Characters to notice
- Nell Trent
Mends a puppet for the showmen, hides a gold coin in her dress, and cares for her grandfather.
- Mr. Trent
Delighted by the puppets, laughs at the performance, and remains insensible to their troubles.
- Tommy Codlin
A surly, mistrustful showman who takes the money and grumbles about human nature.
- Short
A merry, cheerful showman who greets the strangers and suggests they stay at the same public-house.
Key passages
“Her resolution taken, she sewed the piece of gold into her dress, and going to bed with a lighter heart sunk into a deep slumber.”
Nell decided to hide the gold coin by sewing it into her clothing, feeling relieved and then falling asleep.
Shows Nell's resourcefulness and the gravity of their situation.
“The sight of the old church and the graves about it in the moonlight, and the dark trees whispering among themselves, made her more thoughtful than before.”
Seeing the moonlit church and graves made Nell reflect deeply on their future.
Highlights the gothic atmosphere and Nell's contemplative nature.