Above all, we acknowledge that the death of
Nelly is excessively painful- that it leaves a most distressing
oppression of spirit upon the reader- and should, therefore, have been
avoided.
But when we come to speak of the excellences of the tale these
defects appear really insignificant. It embodies more originality in
every point, but in character especially, than any single work
within our knowledge. There is the grandfather- a truly profound
conception; the gentle and lovely Nelly- we have discoursed of her
before; Quilp, with mouth like that of the panting dog- (a bold idea
which the engraver has neglected to embody) with his hilarious antics,
his cowardice, and his very petty and spoilt-child- like
malevolence, Dick Swiveller, that prince of goodhearted,
good-for-nothing, lazy, luxurious, poetical, brave, romantically
generous, gallant, affectionate, and not over-and-above honest,
"glorious Apollos;" the marchioness, his bride; Tom Codlin and his
partner; Miss Sally Brass, that "fine fellow;" the pony that had an
opinion of its own; the boy that stood upon his head; the sexton;
the man at the forge; not forgetting the dancing dogs and baby
Nubbles. There are other admirably drawn characters- but we note these
for their remarkable originality, as well as for their wonderful
keeping, and the glowing colors in which they are painted.
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