# XXVII explained — The Old Curiosity Shop

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

## What happens

Nell and her grandfather accept Mrs. Jarley's offer to join her waxwork exhibition, with Nell to serve as a guide and her grandfather to assist with minor tasks. They travel in the caravan, and later that night, as Nell lingers outside, she is terrified to see Quilp emerge from a dark gateway with a boy carrying a trunk.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Suffering

Nell and her grandfather accept humble work and lodging out of necessity, highlighting their precarious situation.

### Innocence vs. Corruption

Nell's innocent curiosity about the old gateway contrasts with the sudden, menacing appearance of Quilp.

## Character check-ins

### Nell Trent

Accepts Mrs. Jarley's offer and later sees Quilp in the night.

### Mr. Trent

Nell's grandfather; agrees to stay with Nell and work for Mrs. Jarley.

### Mrs. Jarley

Proprietress of the waxwork; offers Nell and her grandfather positions.

### Daniel Quilp

Seen by Nell emerging from a dark gateway with a boy carrying a trunk.

## Key lines

> “And you’ll never be sorry for it,” returned Mrs. Jarley. “I’m pretty sure of that. So as that’s all settled, let us have a bit of supper.”

Mrs. Jarley assures Nell she won't regret the decision and suggests they eat.

_Mrs. Jarley confirms the arrangement and moves to practical matters._

> The child withdrew into a dark corner, and saw him pass close to her. He had a stick in his hand, and, when he had got clear of the shadow of the gateway, he leant upon it, looked back—directly, as it seemed, towards where she stood—and beckoned.

Nell hides in a dark corner as Quilp passes, leaning on his stick and looking back as if beckoning toward her.

_Nell's terror at Quilp's unexpected appearance and his ambiguous gesture._

## Links

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