The Old Curiosity Shop · Chapter
XXXIII explained
The narrator introduces the domestic economy of Mr.
What happens
The narrator introduces the domestic economy of Mr. Sampson Brass, describing his dark, shabby office in Bevis Marks and his formidable sister and clerk, Miss Sally Brass. Quilp arrives with Richard Swiveller, whom he installs as a clerk in Brass's office. Quilp and Brass leave together, leaving Swiveller to begin his duties under the watchful eye of Miss Sally Brass. A brief argument between Sampson and Sally Brass reveals her dominance over her brother.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
Swiveller, a gentleman of good family, is reduced to a humble clerk's position, illustrating the precariousness of social standing.
Greed and Exploitation
Quilp manipulates Brass and Swiveller for his own purposes, and Sally Brass controls the office finances, showing exploitation within the legal trade.
Characters to notice
- Sampson Brass
The solicitor whose office and domestic arrangements are described; he is dominated by his sister Sally and obsequious to Quilp.
- Sally Brass
Sampson's gaunt, bony, and resolute sister and clerk; she has a deep voice, a green gown, and a brown gauze scarf; she effectively controls the office.
- Daniel Quilp
The dwarf who brings Richard Swiveller to Brass's office as a clerk; he flirts with Sally Brass and speaks sarcastically to Sampson.
- Richard Swiveller
Introduced by Quilp as a gentleman of good family who has fallen on hard times; he is bewildered by Miss Sally Brass and begins work as a clerk.
Key passages
“Miss Sally Brass, then, was a lady of thirty-five or thereabouts, of a gaunt and bony figure, and a resolute bearing, which if it repressed the softer emotions of love, and kept admirers at a distance, certainly inspired a feeling akin to awe in the breasts of those male strangers who had the happiness to approach her.”
Sally Brass is a gaunt, bony woman of about thirty-five whose stern demeanor discourages romantic interest but inspires awe in men who meet her.
Introduces Miss Sally Brass's intimidating appearance and personality.
“Mr. Swiveller," said Quilp, "being pretty well accustomed to the agricultural pursuits of sowing wild oats, Miss Sally, prudently considers that half a loaf is better than no bread.”
Quilp says that Swiveller, having been reckless in his youth, now wisely accepts a modest position rather than nothing.
Quilp explains Swiveller's motivation for taking the clerk job.