The Story of Little Nell*
Little Nell is a character in Charles Dickens' novel "The Old Curiosity Shop." She is a young girl who lives with her grandfather, Mr. Quinby, in a small shop in London. Nell is described as being very beautiful and kind, and she is loved by many people in the community. However, her life takes a tragic turn when her grandfather becomes ill and is unable to pay his debts. Nell's grandfather dies, and she is forced to leave the shop and go on the run with a group of criminals. Despite facing many challenges and dangers, Nell remains brave and determined throughout her journey. In the end, she is able to escape from the criminals and find safety with a kind-hearted woman named Mrs. Jarley.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1838 · Genre: Children's Literature, Victorian Literature, Drama · 3 chapters · 11,568 words
First lines
It was a queer home for a child -- this place where Little Nell lived with her grandfather. He was a dealer in all sorts of curious old things: suits of mail which stood like ghosts in armor here and there; fantastic carved tables and chairs; rusty weapons of various kinds; distorted figures in china and wood and iron. And, amid it all, the oldest thing in the shop seemed to be the little old man with the long gray hair.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of Little Nell* is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Dickens, dated 1838 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Charles Dickens
- Date: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Victorian Literature, Drama, Social Critique
- Length: 11,568 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 214 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of Little Nell* by Charles Dickens
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Story of Little Nell*?
- How does this novel by Charles Dickens fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Little Nell by Charles Dickens
- Jenny Wren by Charles Dickens
- Tales From Dickens The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
- The Lamplighter by Charles Dickens
- Tiny Tim by Charles Dickens
- Dombey And Son by Charles Dickens
Genres
- Children's Literature — The book focuses on a young protagonist and features themes suitable for a younger audience.
- Victorian Literature — Given that the author Charles Dickens was a prominent Victorian writer, his work often reflects the themes and characteristics of this period.
- Drama — The book has a plot that is driven by conflict and dramatic events, incorporating elements of emotional intensity.
- Social Critique — Like many of Dickens' works, the book serves as a critique of the social conditions of Victorian England, highlighting issues of class, poverty, and morality.
Tags
Victorian · literature · tragedy · childhood · innocence · poverty · love · loss · family · friendship · redemption · social criticism