The Old Curiosity Shop, Chapter 54 summary
Chapter 54 of 73 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 54, Nell learns the church’s legends, hears the sexton explain neglected graves, and finds comfort in the schoolmaster’s belief that goodness survives through others. She begins tending graves with her grandfather, but their attention to young people’s graves makes him anxious about her health.
What happens
- The bachelor teaches Nell church history through legends that preserve memories of mercy and goodness.
- The sexton and David inflate Becky Morgan’s age to distance themselves from the thought of death.
- Nell resolves to tend neglected graves after hearing the sexton connect dying flowers with fading remembrance.
- The schoolmaster comforts Nell by explaining that the dead remain present through the good actions they inspire.
- Nell reassures her frightened grandfather and invites him to garden beside her in the churchyard.
- The bachelor notices their work on young people’s graves, and the grandfather becomes uneasy about Nell.
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What makes Nell’s grandfather anxious while they work in the churchyard?
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