The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens

arts · EN-US

The fourth novel published by Charles Dickens, The Old Curiosity Shop was initially published in weekly installments between 1840 and 1841 and follows the poignant journey of the virtuous young girl Nell and her loving grandfather as they are forced to bear the hardships of life. Dickens cleverly employs contrasting eloquent characters as a utility to bring out the dissimilarity and injustice present in society.The novel introduces orphan Nell Trent and her grandfather, who live in a run-down store that is distinctive for its worthless bits and pieces. Even though Nell does not complain about their impoverished state, her grandfather is troubled by his resolve to ensure the financial wellbeing of his granddaughter and rescue her from poverty after his death. However, this obsession only leads him downhill, as he turns to frequent gambling escapades, which are funded by the vile Daniel Quilp. Consequently, the grandfather is unable to pay back the loans, and the scheming Quilp is quit