The Old Curiosity Shop · Chapter
XXII explained
Kit Nubbles prepares to leave home for his new position with the Garland family.
What happens
Kit Nubbles prepares to leave home for his new position with the Garland family. After a busy day of packing and emotional farewells with his mother and little Jacob, he walks to Finchley, collects his box from the carrier, and arrives at Abel Cottage. He is warmly welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Garland, shown his new quarters, and introduced to the household, including the pretty servant-girl Barbara. Kit shares a meal in the bright kitchen, where both he and Barbara are shyly aware of each other.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Community
The chapter emphasizes the close bond between Kit and his mother, their shared laughter, and the warm, orderly household of the Garlands, contrasting with the poverty of Kit's home.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Kit's new position as a servant is marked by his new clothes, the inspection by his employers, and the careful decorum observed in the kitchen with Barbara.
The Urban vs. Rural World
Kit leaves the crowded, poorer urban environment for the idyllic, orderly rural cottage of the Garlands, symbolizing a transition to a more peaceful life.
Characters to notice
- Christopher Nubbles
Kit prepares to leave home, comforts his mother, walks to Finchley, and is warmly received by the Garlands. He meets Barbara and feels shy in her presence.
- Mrs. Nubbles
Kit's mother worries about the carrier losing the box and about Little Bethel's influence, but shares a cheerful supper with Kit and the baby.
- Jacob
Little Jacob is astonished by the contents of Kit's box and joins in the laughter during the family's supper.
- Abel Garland
Old Mr. Garland welcomes Kit, shows him the stable and garden, and promises to make him comfortable if he proves deserving.
- Barbara
The pretty, modest servant-girl who opens the door for Kit, later serves him food in the kitchen; both are shy and embarrassed when their eyes meet.
- Whisker
The self-willed pony that dodged the family for an hour and three-quarters before being caught by Mr. Garland.
Key passages
“I don't think there's hardly a chance of his really losing it, but carriers are under great temptation to pretend they lose things, no doubt”
Mrs. Nubbles worries that the carrier might be tempted to claim the box is lost, even if it isn't.
Reflects the family's anxiety about trusting their belongings to a stranger.
“I know who has been putting that in your head; that's Little Bethel again.”
Kit blames the influence of the Little Bethel congregation for his mother's worry that plays might be sinful.
Highlights the tension between cheerful living and religious austerity.
“Kit looked about him, and admired, and looked again, and this a great many times before he could make up his mind to turn his head another way and ring the bell.”
Kit was so impressed by the cottage and garden that he hesitated before ringing the bell.
Shows Kit's wonder at the neat, beautiful home of the Garlands.
“I'm afraid you've rung a good many times perhaps, but we couldn't hear you, because we've been catching the pony.”
Barbara explains that the family was busy chasing the pony, so they didn't hear the bell.
Introduces Barbara and the comic subplot of the mischievous pony.
