# XVI explained — The Old Curiosity Shop

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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