Charles Dickens

The Old Curiosity Shop Annotated Charles Dickens

The Old Curiosity Shop tells the story of Nell Trent, a beautiful and virtuous young girl of "not quite fourteen". An orphan, she lives with her maternal grandfather in his shop of odds and ends. Her grandfather loves her dearly, and Nell does not complain, but she lives a lonely existence with almost no friends her own age. In the end, he gambles away what little money they have, and Quip seizes the opportunity to take possession of the shop and evict Nell and her grandfather. Meanwhile, Kit, having lost his job at the curiosity shop, has found new employment with the kind Mr and Mrs. Garland. Here he is contacted by a mysterious 'single gentleman' who is looking for news of Nell and her grandfather. At the same time, a coincidence leads Mr. Garland to knowledge of Nell's whereabouts, and he, Kit, and the single gentleman go to find her. Sadly, by the time they arrive, Nell has died as a result of her arduous journey.