The Old Curiosity Shop · Chapter
LXII explained
Sampson Brass visits Quilp at his countinghouse on the wharf, where Quilp is chanting a legal phrase in a mocking manner.
What happens
Sampson Brass visits Quilp at his countinghouse on the wharf, where Quilp is chanting a legal phrase in a mocking manner. They discuss the search for the old man and Nell, with Quilp expressing his hatred for Richard Swiveller and ordering Brass to dismiss him after the trial. Quilp forces Brass to drink hot liquor, leading to Brass's intoxication and a disoriented exit, while Quilp sadistically misleads him about dangers outside.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it captures the emotional and psychological peak of Kit’s despe…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Greed and Exploitation
Quilp's manipulation of Brass and his scheme to keep the old man and Nell poor while pretending they are rich highlights the theme of exploitation for personal gain.
- Innocence vs. Corruption
Quilp's corrupt and malicious behavior contrasts with the innocence of Nell, as he plots against her and her grandfather.
Characters to notice
- Sampson Brass
Visits Quilp at the countinghouse, fearful and obsequious; discusses the search for Nell and the old man, and receives orders to dismiss Richard Swiveller.
- Daniel Quilp
In a mischievous and cruel mood, chants a legal phrase, forces Brass to drink hot liquor, and sends him off with misleading warnings about dangers.
- Richard Swiveller
Referenced as the lodger and object of Quilp's hatred; Quilp orders Brass to dismiss him after the trial.
- Sally Brass
Mentioned by Brass as a source of protection and as someone who would feel a blow from the dismissal of Swiveller.
Key passages
“A faint light, twinkling from the window of the countinghouse on Quilp’s wharf, and looking inflamed and red through the night-fog, as though it suffered from it like an eye, forewarned Mr. Sampson Brass, as he approached the wooden cabin with a cautious step, that the excellent proprietor, his esteemed client, was inside, and probably waiting with his accustomed patience and sweetness of temper the fulfilment of the appointment which now brought Mr. Brass within his fair domain.”
The dim, red light from Quilp's countinghouse window, visible through the fog, warned Sampson Brass that Quilp was inside, likely waiting impatiently for their meeting.
Sets the ominous tone for Brass's visit to Quilp.
““I hate him,” said Quilp between his teeth, “and have always hated him, for family reasons. Besides, he was an intractable ruffian; otherwise he would have been of use. This fellow is pigeon-hearted, and lightheaded. I don’t want him any longer. Let him hang or drown—starve—go to the devil.””
Quilp expresses his hatred for Richard Swiveller, calling him cowardly and foolish, and orders Brass to get rid of him.
Reveals Quilp's contempt for Swiveller and his plan to dismiss him.
