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The Old Curiosity Shop, Chapter 12 summary

Chapter 12 of 73 · 11 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 12, Nell’s grandfather recovers weakly from illness, agrees to leave after Quilp sells the household goods, and then proposes a secret escape. Nell prepares their belongings, retrieves the door key beside the sleeping Quilp, and leads her helpless grandfather out of the city.

What happens

  1. The old man recovers from his illness, but his weakened mind leaves him passive and easily distracted.
  2. Quilp announces the sale of the household goods, and the old man agrees to their removal on Friday morning.
  3. On Thursday evening, the old man asks Nell’s forgiveness and proposes leaving secretly the next morning.
  4. Nell prepares their belongings, revisits her rooms, and comforts herself by imagining Kit caring for her bird.
  5. At dawn, Nell retrieves the missing door key from beside the sleeping Quilp and escapes with her grandfather.
  6. Unable to choose a direction, the old man depends on Nell, who leads him beyond the city.

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In this chapter

NellNell's grandfatherKitQuilp

What to notice

The grandfather proposes escape, but Nell makes it possible. His inability to choose a direction makes her responsibility unmistakable.

Quick check

Where does Nell find the key needed for their escape?

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