The Old Curiosity Shop Essay Questions

Essay Questions

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  1. 1

    Why does Nell’s grandfather lose his shop?

    Nell’s grandfather owns a shop of odd bits which he loves dearly but does not generate much income. He loves Nell a lot and knows he cannot afford to feed them unless he takes drastic measures, which he does by gambling. Unfortunately, he ends up gambling away fortune he borrowed from the evil Quilp which results in his eventual eviction of his shop and ensures his life living as a beggar, the very thing he tried to avoid.

  2. 2

    What role does Quilp play in Nell’s death?

    Quilp is a sadistic individual who relishes in people’s pain. He takes pleasure in evicting Nell and her grandfather from their beloved shop. He then helps Nell’s greedy older brother, Frederick, track Nell down to gain a fictitious fortune he knows they do not have. Eventually, living a life as a beggar and tending to her grandfather makes Nell sick and she dies.

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