# XVIII explained — The Old Curiosity Shop

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

## What happens

At the Jolly Sandboys inn, Codlin, Short, Nell, and her grandfather take shelter from the rain. The landlord prepares a hearty stew, and while Nell and the old man sleep by the fire, Short expresses his suspicion that the old man has fled from his friends and is leading Nell into danger. He resolves to detain them and restore them to their family.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Suffering

The travelers are drenched and exhausted, dependent on the inn's charity; the dogs are harshly disciplined and fed only at the master's whim.

### Innocence vs. Corruption

Nell's innocence is contrasted with the rough, calculating world of Codlin and Short, who debate whether to detain her for reward.

## Character check-ins

### Tommy Codlin

Arrives at the inn first, eagerly anticipates the stew, and grows impatient with Short's theorizing.

### Short

Arrives with Nell and the grandfather, defends them as harmless, and voices his plan to prevent them from leaving.

### Nell Trent

Exhausted from travel, falls asleep by the fire; Short notes her delicate nature and unfitness for the wandering life.

### Mr. Trent

Also falls asleep; Short observes his anxious desire to keep moving and suspects he has fled from friends.

### Jerry

Puppeteer who disciplines his dogs with a whip and organ, feeding them only by name and punishing one for losing a halfpenny.

## Key lines

> It's very plain to me, besides, that they're not used to this way of life. Don't tell me that that handsome child has been in the habit of prowling about as she's done these last two or three days. I know better.

Short asserts that Nell is unaccustomed to a wandering life and has not been traveling long.

_Short's observation highlights Nell's vulnerability and the unusual nature of their journey._

> I am not a-going to see this fair young child a falling into bad hands, and getting among people that she's no more fit for, than they are to get among angels as their ordinary chums.

Short declares he will not allow Nell to fall into dangerous company and intends to return her to her family.

_This reveals Short's protective impulse and foreshadows conflict over Nell's fate._

## Links

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