Old Curiosity Shop, The, is a novel written by the English author Charles Dickens that contains a famous death scene of the character Little Nell. The novel was published in monthly installments in 1840 and 1841, and in one volume in 1841. The death scene of Little Nell created a stir at the time of its publication, but many modern readers find it excessively sentimental.
The shop of the title is kept by the grandfather of Nell Trent (“Little Nell”). He has been reduced to poverty by his spendthrift son-in-law and Nell’s brother Fred. He has borrowed money from Daniel Quilp, an evil and grotesque dwarf. In an attempt to restore their fortunes, Nell’s grandfather has gambled with the money and lost it. Quilp takes the shop as payment for the debt. Nell and her grandfather flee London, pursued by Quilp. The girl and the old man wander the country, suffering many hardships. They find safety in a cottage near a country church, where Nell’s grandfather is made caretaker.
Meanwhile, the brother of Nell’s grandfather, who wants to help them, is also looking for them. He finds them after a long search but is too late to help Nell, who has just died. Her heartbroken grandfather also dies shortly afterward. Quilp drowns just as he is about to be arrested for committing a crime.
Other well-known characters in The Old Curiosity Shop include Kit Nubbles, who has strong loyalty to Little Nell and who is almost transported (sent abroad as punishment) through the activities of Quilp; Fred Trent’s disreputable friend, Dick Swiveller; Mrs. Jarley of the waxworks; and the attorney Sampson Brass, a colleague of Quilp’s.
See Dickens, Charles.
