Oliver Twist
(Charles Dickens)

Chapter 1

The story opens with a sense of vagueness as the narrator states that the exact time and place of Oliver Twist's birth isn't important. What is noteworthy, however, is the fact that he was born in a workhouse. Workhouses were places made to benefit the poor in Britain's society, and to shelter them from starvation and abuse. As such, the people in the workhouse were the lowest rung on the societal ladder, and the narrator acknowledges that there is a workhouse in every city.

Oliver is born on a dirty mattress with no one but a surgeon and a drunken nurse attending. He has trouble breathing but eventually cries out. His mother asks to see the boy before she dies, and the surgeon places the baby in her arms. When she is gone, the nurse reveals that they found her on the streets and don't know her identity. The surgeon notices the absence of a wedding ring.

The nurse takes the child and swaddles him in rags, marking him as a workhouse orphan, and thereby deciding his fate.

Chapter 2

The infant was reported to parish authorities and sent to an orphan house ran by an elderly female named Mrs. Mann. She is paid by the government for each child she takes in, which is more than enough for food and clothes, but instead of spending the money on the children she gives them as little as possible and keeps the profits for herself. It is common for many children to die in her care, but it is always found to be of natural causes.

The story picks up on Oliver's ninth birthday. He is thin and small but has a sturdy spirit. He is celebrating his birthday with two other boys when a guest comes to the gate. It is Mr. Bumble, the beadle of the workhouse. Oliver and the boys are sent away, and Mrs. Mann invites Mr. Bumble in.

Over drinks, they discuss Oliver Twist. Mr. Bumble says they never found the identity of his parents, and since he is now too old to stay at the orphanage, must go back to the workhouse with him. Mrs. Mann orders Oliver cleaned up and brought in, and Oliver, cued by Mrs. Mann, feigns grief at leaving to hide the poor conditions of the orphanage.

He goes to meet the board, a group of eight to ten men. He is frightened, but they assign him a trade to learn and a place to bunk. He cries himself to sleep.

The workhouse used to be a place for the poor to go for help and recovery, but the narrator details a new system in which the workers are given just enough gruel to survive, and they suffer a slow starvation. One of the boys threatens to eat another he is so hungry, and lots are cast to determine who among the boys are going to ask for more food. Oliver's name is chosen, and one day at lunch he asks for another portion. The authorities are outraged, and lock him in confinement, flogging him as an example for the others. A note is posted on the door for a five pound reward to whoever will take the orphan off the hands of the workhouse.

Chapter 3

Oliver spends a week in solitary confinement, crying all day and sleeping restlessly at night. Outside, a low-life chimney sweep named Mr. Gamfield is thinking about how he needs rent money when he sees the notice. He stops his donkey, violently beating him, and goes to inquire about the boy. The board doesn't approve of his offer to apprentice the boy, and it is revealed by the narrator that Mr. Gamfield has already beat several "apprentices" to death. They bargain, however, and a deal is struck.

Oliver is given a clean shirt to wear and a slice of bread, which makes him think he is going to his death. When he finds out he is to be apprenticed, he is relieved but still terrified. They go to see the magistrate to finalize the apprenticeship and Oliver is horrified by the sight of his new master. He gets down and begs the magistrate not to send him with the mean-looking man, and the magistrate calls off the apprenticeship. Oliver is taken back to the workhouse, and the notice is placed outside the gates again.

Chapter 4

The board, not knowing what to do with Oliver, conspires to have him hired aboard a vessel as a cabin boy, thinking he would die quickly. Before this fate can come about, however, Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker who makes coffins for the workhouse offers to take the boy. The board agrees, and Oliver is once again sent for.

On the way to the inspection, Oliver cries in grief, professing his utter loneliness. Mr. Bumble ignores his sobbing and takes Oliver to the Sowerberry house where he meets Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry.

Mrs. Sowerberry remarks that workhouse orphans cost more than they are worth, but offers him bits of meat the dog didn't eat as dinner. Oliver devours the scraps and is sent to sleep under the counter in the coffin-room.

Chapter 5

In the morning, Oliver is woken by a knocking on the door and meets Noah Claypole, Mr. Sowerberry's apprentice and a charity boy. Over breakfast Noah and Charlotte, the maid, make fun of Oliver. Though they are poor, Oliver is beneath even them and thus a perfect target for derision.

Over dinner, about a month after Oliver's arrival, Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry think Oliver would make a great mute because of his perpetual melancholy.

Mr. Bumble comes in one day to order a coffin for a pauper. Oliver hides frightened of the man. Mr. Sowerberry takes Oliver with him to the house where the dead woman is still lying on the floor, covered by a sheet. Her husband cries, ranting that she was starved to death, and the dead woman's mother asks for a loaf of bread and a cloak.

The funeral is short and disrespectful, with the boys jumping over the coffin before it is buried. After, Mr. Sowerberry asks Oliver if he likes the business, and Oliver says no. Sowerberry tells Oliver he will get used to it.

Chapter 6

Oliver is formally apprenticed, and gains lots of experience due to the rate of measles being unusually high. Sarcastically, the narrator details how "well" family members and friends deal with the deaths of their loved ones.

Oliver is continually tormented by Noah, who is jealous at the attention Oliver gets from Mr. Sowerberry. Charlotte hates Oliver because Noah does, and Mrs. Sowerberry dislikes him because Mr. Sowerberry likes him. As a result, he treated poorly at the house.

One day Noah makes fun of Oliver's mother, badgering until Oliver snaps. Enraged, Oliver grabs Noah by the throat and punches him to the ground. Noah screams for the girls, who come in, also screaming, and they all three beat Oliver and throw him into the cellar.

The three of them talk about how lucky it is none of them were murdered, and how horrid the workhouse orphans are from the minute they are born. Not knowing what to do with Oliver, they send Noah to fetch Mr. Bumble.

Chapter 7

Noah runs to the workhouse, and works up such a story of terror he attracts the attention of the higher-ups, including Mr. Bumble. Noah accuses Oliver of trying to murder everyone in the household, and Mr. Bumble immediately sets off to the house to right things.

Back at the Sowerberry's, Oliver is still kicking at the cellar door. He is not afraid of Mr. Bumble's voice anymore, to which Mr. Bumble is shocked. He tells Mrs. Sowerberry that she has fed the boy too much meat and that this behavior wouldn't have happened if the boy had eaten gruel.

Mr. Sowerberry arrives and takes Oliver out of the cellar. When Oliver says Noah called his mother names, Mr. Sowerberry says she deserved it. He beats Oliver to satisfy the spectators and sends him to bed.

Once alone, Oliver finally cries. He stays up all night, and when it is morning goes outside. He walks to the workhouse and sees a young playmate of his named Dick. Dick says he is dying; he heard the doctors say so. Oliver tells the boy that he is running away, and the boy blesses him. It is the first kind word Oliver has ever received.

Chapter 8

Running out of town, Oliver is afraid someone will come after him. He sees a sign that says 70 miles to London, and decides to travel there. Over the course of his seven day journey, he weakens to the point of collapsing in a small village. There are signs that say no begging, but he is approached by a ragged young man named Jack Dawkins who buys Oliver a hot meal and tells him of a place he can stay. Oliver realizes this young man can't be up to anything good because of his dress, but has no choice but to take him up on the offer.

The next morning they make it into London, which is the filthiest place Oliver has ever seen. They enter a disgusting, blackened house in the most squalid part of town, and Jack introduces Oliver to Fagin, the elderly Jew who is the leader of the mysterious band of boys. They are having dinner, and there are silk scarves hanging everywhere. Oliver eats his fill and is given gin and water before drifting off to sleep.

Chapter 9

Oliver wakes late in the day, drowsy and half-dreaming with sleep. The old Jew is making coffee, and, after checking to make sure Oliver is asleep, takes out a box filled with expensive jewelry. After examining some of the pieces, the Jew sees Oliver watching him and brandishes a knife at the boy. It becomes clear that the man is a thief, and Oliver saw his secret stash, although Oliver himself doesn't make this connection. Oliver's meek reply and disinterest in the treasure console the old man, and he puts down the knife.

Jack Dawkins, also known as Dodger, and another boy named Charley Bates come in. They are pickpockets and have gotten some pocketbooks and silk handkerchiefs. Oliver expresses a desire to learn their trade, is laughed at for being green, and allowed to observe them practice. The old man walks around, and the boys try to pick his pockets without him feeling it. Oliver laughs until he cries; the scene is so funny.

After practice, two women show up, and it becomes clear that they are in the business, as well. They leave with Jack and Charley, and after they are gone Fagin, the Jew, tells Oliver to practice taking a handkerchief without him noticing. He gets it on the first try, and the Jew tells him he is a bright boy, giving him a shilling as reward.

Chapter 10

For the next several days, Oliver works taking markings out of silk handkerchiefs. Finally, he is allowed to go out with the Dodger and Charley for their work. He wonders what they are going to do, when they spot an older gentleman reading a book. While Oliver watches, they pick his pockets. The pieces connect in Oliver's head, and he realizes he has joined a bunch of thieves. Frightened, he runs away.

The old man, taking notice, realizes he has been robbed and starts up the cry of "stop, thief!". Soon Oliver is being pursued by what seems everyone in the town. Eventually he is stopped, and, although the old gentleman seems to take pity on him, Oliver is taken away by an officer.

Chapter 11

Oliver is taken to the police and put into a cell. The elderly gentleman, Mr. Brownlow, who had been robbed accompanies him, saying he thinks the boy is innocent and does not want to press charges. He thinks he recognizes Oliver, but cannot place his features.

Presently, they are summoned before the magistrate, Mr. Fang. He conducts his court in chaos and is arrogant, rude, and quick-tempered. Mr. Fang scares Oliver so bad he faints and doesn't let the Mr. Brownlow state his case. He sentences Oliver to three months hard labor, and orders him taken out. Just then, the book-keeper runs in. He saw everything happen, and reveals it was the other two boys, not Oliver, who robbed the man. Oliver is discharged, and everyone ordered out.

Mr. Brownlow sees Oliver is sick and takes pity on him, ordering a coach. The book-keeper accompanies them, and they drive away with haste.

Chapter 12

The coach carrying Oliver leaves London and travels to a small town and a friendly, quiet house. In Mr. Brownlow's house a bed is made, and Oliver is tended with care by the maid Mrs. Bedwin.

For days, Oliver is weak with fever, and when he wakes up Mrs. Bedwin is at his side. He is grateful for her care and has the feeling his mother is watching over him from heaven. The elderly lady is moved to tears and tells him to rest.

When Oliver wakes again a doctor has come to check on him, and the next day Oliver feels well enough to sit up in bed. He is taken down to Mrs. Bedwin's chambers after a few more days recovering because Mr. Brownlow is coming to visit him. Mrs. Bedwin gives him soup and washes him. During this, Oliver sees a picture of a beautiful woman and is fascinated by the portrait.

When Mr. Brownlow comes in, Oliver tries to stand out of respect, but cannot. The old gentleman feels so much pity for the boy he cries, and tries to hide it. He suddenly gasps, seeing the portrait and comparing it Oliver's face, for they are exactly alike. Oliver faints out of excitement.

The scene cuts back to the Dodger and Charley as they run after Oliver. Once the crowd is large enough, they go quickly back to Fagin's, wondering what he will do.

Chapter 13

At Fagin's house, the old Jew demands to know what happened to Oliver. The Dodger says he got caught, and they almost come to blows. A booming voice interrupts them, and it turns out to be a man named Bill Sikes. Eventually Oliver's story is told, and the men want to know more information.

Nancy at Betty, the two girls from earlier, comes in, and Nancy is entreated to go to the police and find information. Under the guise of being Oliver's sister, she discovers he is with Mr. Brownlow.

She relays this information to Mr. Fagin, who erupts into swift action. He plans to kidnap the boy before he gives the authorities any information about their thievery.

Chapter 14

When Oliver wakes from his faint, Mr. Brownlow and the housekeeper are sure not to bring it up again for fear of exciting him. Oliver spends his days recovering, listening to Mrs. Bedwin and playing cards.

One night, about a week later, he is summoned to Mr. Brownlow's library. Oliver is amazed at all the books, and Mr. Brownlow asks him if he wants to be an author. Oliver says he wants to stay and be a servant and is afraid of being sent away. The old gentleman says this won't happen as he has a peculiar attachment to the boy. Mr. Brownlow wants to know Oliver's story, and just about Oliver is about to begin a Mr. Grimwig is announced.

Mr. Grimwig is old, with bad manners, but deep down he is a good heart. He cautions Brownlow, however, about the boy since he has no past. Mr. Brownlow asks Oliver to tell him everything in the morning, and Oliver says he will.

Before Grimwig leaves, an order of books arrives. Mr. Brownlow realizes they are not all paid for and sends Oliver off with the money before it gets dark. Mr. Grimwig predicts that Oliver won't return, and the two old gentlemen sit waiting.

Chapter 15

In a public-house, Bill Sikes was sitting with his white dog by his side. He and the dog get into a scuffle, when Fagin walks in. The Jew gives Bill his share, which isn't much. Nancy comes in with information about Oliver, and Bill leaves.

Meanwhile, Oliver is on the way to the bookstall. He makes a wrong turn and decides to keep going. Suddenly, hands grab him. It is Nancy in disguise, and she pretends Oliver is her runaway brother. Oliver calls for help, but no one believes him. Bill walks over pretending to be his "father" and they take him into a dark alley.

Back at the house, Mrs. Bedwin is waiting for Oliver to return. She watches the two gentlemen, sitting there, also waiting even though it is long dark.

Chapter 16

When they are far away, they slacken their pace. Oliver realizes resistance is useless when Bill tells Oliver he will sick the dog on him if he tries to run. The bell tolls 8 o'clock when they reach the house. Dodger comes to the door with a candle and leads them upstairs, where Charley and the old Jew are waiting.

Charley and Fagin laugh at Oliver in his new suit, and mock him as a "gentleman". They go through his pockets and find the five pound note and take the books, as well. Oliver begs to be taken back to the genial old man and lady, or at least to let him give the money back. Fagin, of course, doesn't agree to this, and Oliver runs out of the room screaming for help.

Bill is about to sick the dog on Oliver when Nancy comes to the boy's defense. She regrets bringing him here and ruining his chances of a happy life. She herself was dragged into this business by Fagin and thinks him a villain who keeps her trapped. She tries to rush them and ends up fainting.

When Nancy is no longer a threat, Fagin takes off Oliver's new suit and gives him his old one back. The old clothes were the clue that led them to Oliver. They leave him to fall asleep.

Chapter 17

The perspective shifts back to the town of Oliver's birth, following Mr. Bumble on his way to see Mrs. Mann. When he is in her house and seated, he tells her he is being sent to London and gives her the monthly stipend for the children. Since he has been gone last, two more have died, and Dick, Oliver's friend, is near death.

Dick is brought in to see Mr. Bumble, and requests that a letter be written after his death to Oliver Twist, his dear friend. Dick is locked away, and Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Mann are outraged.

That day Mr. Bumble leaves and stays at an inn outside London. He happens upon a reward in the newspaper for information on Oliver Twist and rushes to Mr. Brownlow’s house. He relates the story, making Oliver sound evil and twisted, is given the reward, and sent away.

Mr. Brownlow is devastated, although Mr. Grimwig professes to have known all along. Mrs. Bedwin doesn't believe the beadle, and comes to Oliver's defense, but Mr. Brownlow tells her not to speak Oliver's name again.

Chapter 18

The next day Fagin lectures Oliver on his behavior and tells Oliver a story of a similar boy who ended up being hanged because he threatened to go to the police with information. Oliver clearly understands this threat, and acts humbled.

During the next few weeks, Oliver is left alone in the house while everyone else goes out. He thinks of his kind friends and hopes for companionship. Eventually, the Dodger and Charley Bates allow Oliver to clean their boots, and Oliver is so starved for communication he agrees. They try to get him to join their trade again, and Oliver says no.

Just then, Fagin, Betsy and a newcomer named Tim Chitling walk in. Fagin and Tim talk trade, and Oliver listens. Over the next few days, Fagin lets Oliver watch the old game between him and the boys, and tells funny stories of robberies over the fire. He is trying to turn Oliver over to him.

Chapter 19

Fagin heads over to Bill Sikes house one night. When he arrives Nancy is there as well, and more humble since the last time he saw her. Bill is planning a house robbery, and he needs a boy small enough to open a certain door. Fagin suggests Oliver, and Bill agrees under the condition that he can kill he boy if he shows any hesitation to do the job.

They plan for Nancy to take Oliver tomorrow night, and for Oliver to be put under Bill Sike's watch until the robbery is over. Fagin leaves and goes back to his house. He is going to wake Oliver up to tell him, but sees him sleeping, pale and death-like, and leaves him be.

Chapter 20

When Oliver wakes, he has new clothes. He thinks they are letting him go, but the Jew tells him he is going with Bill on a job. That night, Fagin leaves with a warning to follow Bill's orders, and Oliver is so confused he doesn't know what to do. He is left with a book and a candle. The book is full of bloody tales of criminals, and Oliver is so frightened he begins to pray.

Nancy comes in, giving no hint as to what Oliver will be doing, except that it won't be good. She warns Oliver that if he tries to escape they will both be killed, and that she has his best interests in mind. Oliver goes with her quietly to the house where Bill is waiting.

Bill shows Oliver his pistol and puts the loaded gun to his head, threatening him if he ever disobeys. Oliver is shocked but remains quiet. They have supper and sleep, and in the morning they get ready to leave. Oliver wants Nancy to tell him something else, or give him a kind word, but she does neither of these things.

Chapter 21

Oliver and Bill are on the streets before the sun is fully risen. Around them, the city of London is coming to life. They pass through the market, and all the sights and sounds amaze Oliver. Bill catches a ride out of London with a driver and they pass through several towns.

The coach stops, and they go to an inn for dinner. Oliver falls asleep, and when he wakes up Bill has found another ride. They pass more towns, and finally get off and start walking. Oliver sees a town off in the distance, and they must cross a river over a bridge to get to it. When Oliver sees the bridge and the water, he thinks Bill means to murder him, but instead the duo goes into an abandoned house.

Chapter 22

Inside the house, Bill's fellow thieves, Barney and Toby Crackit, are waiting. They eat and drink, forcing Oliver to drink wine with them, and then sleep. Oliver has no idea what is going on, or what the men are talking about.

At half-past one, they all get up and get ready. Toby and Bill set out with Oliver between them, and they go through the town to a solitary house. When Oliver realizes they plan to rob the house, he protests and begs not to do it. Bill pulls the gun out and threatens Oliver's life, but Toby says not to shoot him because it will make too much noise.

At the house, Bill pries open a small window and tells Oliver to go in and let them in the front door. Oliver goes in, planning to run upstairs and warn the family, when there is a noise and a gunshot. The family has awakened, and Oliver is shot in the arm and bleeding badly. Bill and Toby pull him back out, and Oliver loses consciousness.

Chapter 23

It is a cold night, and Mrs. Corney, the widowed matron of the workhouse, is making tea. She remembers her dead husband, when there is a knock at the door. It is Mr. Bumble, who has come to her with a bottle of wine. He is about to leave when Mrs. Corney invites him to stay for tea.

Mr. Bumble sits and begins flirting with the matron, scooting his chair close to hers before kissing her on the lips. The matron is shocked and protests when there is another knock at the door. A servant has come to tell Mrs. Corney that a lady in her care, Old Sally, is near death and has a message for her. Mrs. Corney tells Mr. Bumble to stay in the house until she gets back and leaves with the messenger. Mr. Bumble inspects the silverware and furniture.

Chapter 24

The matron is taken into the room of the dying woman. The apothecary is there, and the woman is asleep on the bed. Two elderly female servants conspire together by the fire and laugh at Old Sally's fate. After ten or fifteen minutes, the matron gets angry and goes to leave, when Sally sits up and orders the two old servant outs.

She tells the matron that she took something valuable from a woman they found on the road. The woman gave birth to a baby boy in the workhouse named Oliver before she died. She gave Sally a gold locket, saying it would help lead to people who would take care of the child. Before she can give any more information about the whereabouts of the locket, Sally dies. The matron lets the other women back in, saying that Sally didn't say anything of importance.

Chapter 25

Fagin, Tom, Jack and Charley are sitting in the house. Fagin is staring at the fire, and the others are playing cards. Jack, the Dodger, is always winning despite the odds, and Charley is laughing at everything.

The bell rings, and Fagin ushers everyone out before Toby Crackit comes in. He eats and drinks before telling Fagin that the robbery failed. Toby tells the story of how they ran from the house, but everyone was chasing them and they were forced to leave Oliver, shot and bleeding, in a ditch. Fagin, upset, yells and runs out of the room.

Chapter 26

Fagin runs down the streets, to the part of town where pick-pocket sell their wares. He inquires of a small merchant named Mr. Lively of Sike's whereabouts. The man knows nothing, so Fagin goes to a public-house called The Three Cripples. Inside, he looks at all the faces, but none of them is Bill Sikes. He asks about a man named Monks, but he is not there either.

Taking a coach to Bill's place, Fagin finds Nancy alone and drunk. Nancy says Bill is in hiding, and wants to know about Oliver. When Fagin tells her, she hopes Oliver died because that would be better for him than a life under Fagin's rule. When it becomes clear that Nancy is far gone, Fagin leaves to go home.

Outside his house, a mysterious stranger is waiting for him. Inside everyone is asleep, and the two go to the upper room to talk. They whisper, discussing Oliver, who is of value to both men. The strange man is named Monks, and he is extremely interested in the boy. Monks thinks he sees the shadow of a woman, but they find no one in the house. Monks departs, leaving Fagin alone.

Chapter 27

Mr. Bumble, waiting for Mrs. Corney to return, is still poking around her house. He opens her chest-of-drawers and finds a small locked box with something heavy inside. Putting it back, Mrs. Corney rushes in, obviously flustered. Mr. Bumble offers her wine, and they drink together.

Mr. Bumble hints that the overseer of the workhouse is ill, and when he is gone Bumble will most likely take his place. He asks for Mrs. Corney's hand in marriage and she says yes. She won't tell Bumble what Old Sally said on her deathbed, however.

Mr. Bumble leaves and goes to the undertaker's house to commission a coffin for Sally and sees the family in the kitchen eating oysters. Charlotte is feeding oysters to Noah, and they joke about kissing. Bumble, enraged, lectures them for being immoral before leaving.

Chapter 28

The story goes back to the night of the robbery, when Sikes is carrying the boy away from the house. The boy is getting too heavy, and Sikes calls out to Toby, who is already ahead. Seeing the dogs and servants coming closer, Toby tells Sikes to leave the boy and run. Sikes covers Oliver with his cloak and attempts to draw attention away from the place he is hidden before running off.

The servants call the dogs back, and it soon becomes clear that they are scared. The two household servants, Mr. Giles and Brittles, decide to turn back. Meanwhile, Oliver is left alone in the ditch, unconscious.

Oliver wakes in the rain, delirious with pain. Realizing he is near death, he crawls to the road where he sees the house. When he gets closer, he realizes it is the house they tried to rob the night before. Since he has no strength to turn away, he goes up to the door.

Inside, Giles and Brittles are regaling the other servants with their tale of the robbery. Mr. Giles is in the middle of acting out the shooting when they hear a knock at the door. Frightened, no one wants to open it, but eventually they do and find Oliver collapsed on the porch. Mr. Giles brings him in, saying he's captured the thief, and to call for the mistress.

The niece of the woman who owns the house comes down, and orders Oliver to be taken to bed and a doctor called for.

Chapter 29

At the house, the two women are sitting at the breakfast table, with Giles serving them. The elderly lady, Mrs. Maylie, is mistress, and she is kind and pleasant. The younger, her niece, Mrs. Rose, is a seventeen year old beauty.

The local surgeon, Mr. Losberne, rushes in, exclaiming astonishment that the two women are not frightened at the burglar in their house. He goes upstairs to tend on Oliver and is gone a long time. When he comes down, he exclaims that it is extraordinary and that the two women must come see the boy. They have not seen him yet, and Mr. Giles (in an effort to prolong his "bravery") has not told them the thief is a mere child. They go upstairs.

Chapter 30

The doctor leads the two women upstairs, and they are terribly surprised to find, not a hardened thief, but a small boy. Mrs. Rose kneels by his bedside and cries tears for him, begging her aunt not to send the boy to jail because he is so young. The doctor tells Rose that it is entirely possible for him to be an incurable criminal, despite his young age, but Rose gives Oliver the benefit of the doubt, guessing (correctly) that he didn't do it willingly. They wait for Oliver to wake before passing a verdict.

It is evening before Oliver wakens, and he wants to tell them his story as soon as possible. All three are moved by the hardships the small boy has endured, and the surgeon goes downstairs to question Giles and Brittles. They are once again going over the day's adventures, and the surgeon asks them if they are positively sure it is the same boy. Before the servants can answer, the bell rings. It is officers from London, summoned by Brittles earlier that day.

Chapter 31

The officers are let in the house, and everyone, including the doctor and the mistresses of the house, are questioned. The officers, after examining the scene, determine that two men and a boy attempted to break in, and ask about the boy upstairs. The surgeon and the two kind ladies conceal Oliver's true story, which they believe to be true, and convince the officers that Oliver did not try to break in. The officers leave with no further suspicion.

Chapter 32

Although Oliver is seriously ill, he slowly recovers due to the kindness and warmth he receives from Mrs. Rose and her Aunt. He continually thanks them and wishes to repay their kindness, which they promise he can do when he is well.

When Oliver is well enough to travel, they arrange for him to visit Mr. Brownlow near London. On the way out of town, Oliver spots the house where Sikes brought him. The doctor, an impulsive man, stops the carriage and rushes in. Nothing meets Oliver's description, however, and they move on.

When they turn onto the street Mr. Brownlow's house is on, Oliver becomes joyful. The house, however, is empty, and a neighbor reveals that Mr. Brownlow, his maid, and Mr. Grimwig all went to the West Indies to live. Disappointed, they back out of town.

Some time later, they travel to the country for some fresh air. Oliver substantially improves in this atmosphere, and spends his time playing, reading, and accompanying the two women. By the end of the three months, Oliver and the women are intensely attached.

Chapter 33

One summer evening, Rose falls ill with a fever and goes to bed. Oliver tells Mrs. Maylie that he hopes she will feel better in the morning, but Mrs. Maylie predicts she will grow worse.

The next day, their fears are realized, and Mrs. Maylie asks Oliver to take a letter into town asking for Mr. Losberne's assistance. Oliver makes the long trek to town and ensures the letter is sent. On his way out of town, he is stopped by a tall man in a cloak, who curses him and asks what he is doing there, before falling down in a fit. Oliver makes sure the man is taken care of and rushes back to Rose and Mrs. Maylie.

Finding Rose even worse, Oliver forgets about the incident with the strange man entirely. Mr. Losberne arrives and tells them that she is not likely to recover. Oliver prays as he has never done before for Rose's health. Rose has entered into a deep sleep and will either die or wake up and recover. Miraculously, she wakes up, and Mr. Losberne says she will survive.

Chapter 34

Oliver is beyond happiness with the news of Rose's recovery. The next day, he goes out to pick flowers for her when a coach rushes by. It stops, and Giles is inside asking for news of Mrs. Rose. A handsome young gentleman is also present, and we find out he is Mrs. Maylie's son, Harry Maylie. He earnestly inquires after Rose as well, and Oliver tells them both she is going to recover.

Back at the house, Harry and his mother get into an argument concerning Rose. Harry is in love with her, but Mrs. Maylie warns him that Rose has a "stain" on her reputation (though through no fault of her own) and that marrying the girl will thwart Harry's ambitions. Harry is steadfastly in love with Rose, despite Mrs. Maylie's warnings.

In the morning, Harry goes and gathers flowers with Oliver, and Rose spends the next few days recovering.

One night Oliver falls asleep studying and dreams that he hears the Jew's voice. Oliver wakes up to find Fagin and the stranger from the village staring at him through the window. As they disappear, Oliver calls for help.

Chapter 35

At Oliver's cry, Giles and Harry rush in and attempt to follow the thieves. After a thorough search, however, no trace of the men is found. Harry suggests that maybe it was just a dream, but Oliver firmly states it was real. They search over the next several days but still find nothing.

Rose is getting better and can walk about now. One morning Harry asks to speak to her alone, to declare his love for her. Rose loves him as well but turns down his proposal for marriage because of the blight on her name. She does not want to hinder Harry in any way, and so will keep herself from happiness. Harry promises to propose one more time within the year, and if Rose refuses him again he will never speak about the matter.

Chapter 36

The doctor and Harry are getting ready to depart to London in the morning. Harry pulls Oliver aside and asks the boy to write once a fortnight (every two weeks) with updates on the health and happiness of the members of the household. It is understood that Harry is primarily concerned with the happiness of Rose, however. Oliver readily agrees; glad to be of importance to his benefactor's son. The two of them leave, and Rose watches out the window, tears of sorrow running down her cheeks.

Chapter 37

Mr. Bumble has become the master of the workhouse and married Mrs. Corney, and regrets the decision. Without the clothes of his former beadle-hood, he feels powerless and is hen-pecked by his wife and the other paupers. They constantly argue, whereas before they did nothing but flirt and kiss.

To get away from his wife, Mr. Bumble goes to a bar. He sees a stranger, a tall man wearing a cloak, who keeps stealing glances at him. They being conversing, and the man wants information about Old Sally, the nurse-maid who helped birth Oliver. He pays Mr. Bumble for information, and Mr. Bumble reveals that the old maid is dead. When the stranger turns to go, however, he also reveals that one woman was summoned to her bedside in her final moments. The stranger is intensely interested in this, and demands the woman to be brought to him the following evening. When Mr. Bumble asks the man's name, he tells him it is Monks.

Chapter 38

Mr. and Mrs. Bumble enter a disreputable part of town, and try to find the meeting place. They end up at an abandoned factory by the river, which is swollen because it is raining. Mr. Monks beckons them inside and takes them upstairs.

Mr. Bumble is afraid, although tries to put up a front. Mrs. Bumble, on the other hand, is confident and willing to bargain with Monks for the information he wants. She agrees to twenty-five pounds for the information, and begins telling the story. The only difference is after the old woman died, Mrs. Bumble found, in her hand, a pawnbroker receipt and exchanged it for the locket, which she produces then and there. The gold locket contains two locks of hair, a gold wedding ring and is engraved with the named "Agnus" on the side.

After Monks has the locket, he tells the couple to stand back and opens a trap-door to the river below, weighting the locket and throwing it down. He tells them that their business is concluded and to leave quickly.

Outside, Monks waits until they are gone and calls to a boy who has been hidden, before going back upstairs.

Chapter 39

The next evening Bill awakes in his (now poor) apartment. He has been sick, and Nancy nursing him. Fagin and the boys come in with food, and Bill demands that the Jew give him money to get back on his feet. Fagin reluctantly agrees and takes Nancy back with him to retrieve the money.

Just as they are about to make the transaction, Monks appears and wishes to speak to the Jew alone. They go upstairs, and Nancy follows, eavesdropping on their conversation. The reader is not told what the conversation was about, but afterwards Nancy is shaken and anxious. Back at Bill's the next, she is afraid he will catch on, but he merely falls asleep.

Nancy leaves and runs to a wealthy part of town, arriving at a nice hotel. She asks to speak to Miss Maylie, but since she is dressed in poor clothes she has to beg to have a message sent up. A message is finally sent, however, and Nancy is allowed upstairs.

Chapter 40

As Nancy walks up the stairs to meet Rose, she is ashamed of her haggard appearance, but goes up all the same. Miss Rose is beautiful and gives her kind words, for which Nancy is grateful and wishes more people were like her. Nancy admits that she is the one who kidnapped Oliver, but she is risking her life in coming here in an effort to try and save him.

She asks Rose if she knows a man named Monks, and Rose doesn't. Nancy relays the conversations she eavesdropped. In the first, she heard Monks give Fagin an offer if he brought the boy back and made him a thief. Before she could hear more, Monks saw her shadow. In the second, Monks said the last evidence of Oliver's true identity lies in the bottom of the river, and now Monk's inheritance is assured. He is Oliver's older brother. Although Monks cannot harm him directly, he has laid numerous traps for the boy.

Rose is shocked by this information, and as Nancy turns to leave Rose offers to save her and give her a better life. Nancy replies that she is beyond saving, all she knew was the streets and that she cannot leave a certain man to whom she is attached (Bill). Rose wants to know how she can get ahold of Nancy again, and Nancy replies that she will walk across the London Bridge every Sunday night if she is alive. Nancy leaves, and Rose is left alone with her thoughts.

Chapter 41

Rose is trying to decide what to do with the information Nancy has given her, when Oliver and Giles rush into the room. Oliver says that he spotted Mr. Brownlow and Giles got his new address. Rose tells them to get ready, and they will pay him a visit.

When they arrive, Rose goes in by herself and finds Mr. Brownlow and Mr. Grimwig in the library. She tells them that she has information concerning Oliver Twist, and they are truly surprised. Mr. Brownlow asks about the boy's character, and Rose dispels any doubts that Mr. Bumble put into his mind that Oliver is indeed a noble soul.

When Mr. Brownlow discovers that Oliver is down in the coach, he immediately rushes down to retrieve him. Even Grimwig is happy. Bringing Oliver upstairs, Brownlow summons Mrs. Bedwin, who is overjoyed. Leaving Bedwin and Oliver to talk, Rose and Brownlow exit to another room. There Rose tells Brownlow all the information he knows, and he agrees that they need to have a conference with the others involved.

Later, when Mrs. Maylie and Doctor Losberne are present, the information is given to them. Harry and Grimwig are brought in, as well. Losberne wants to have all the thieves arrested, but Brownlow realizes if they do that they will never discover Oliver's true identity. He thinks that they need to meet with Nancy the following Sunday, and keep it a secret from Oliver.

Chapter 42

The same night Nancy went to visit Rose, a male and female are walking into London. They are none other than Noah Claypole and Charlotte, run away from the Sowerberry's. They happen across The Three Cripples, and, not knowing it is truly a public house for thieves, request room and board.

Fagin comes in and realizes there are strangers from the country. He eavesdrops on their conversation while they are having dinner, and, at the mention of a twenty pound note decides to take advantage of them. Noah is frightened at first because Fagin makes it clear he has overheard their conversation, but Fagin offers to let them join his merry band. Noah accepts, and Fagin assigns him to robbing children. He gives the false names of Mr. and Mrs. Bolter, and agrees to meet Fagin tomorrow.

Chapter 43

Noah and Charlotte are visiting Fagin the next day. Fagin is instilling in the two a sense of respect and considerable fear. He reveals that he needs a new best man since his Dodger was taken yesterday for pick-pocketing a silver snuff box. Charley is upset about it, but Fagin cheers him up by saying how he will become famous for his wit.

Fagin asks Noah to go and watch the Dodger's trial, which Noah does reluctantly. The trial commences, Jack making jokes all the while. After he is committed, Noah hurries back to Fagin's.

Chapter 44

Although Nancy has resolved to keep her betrayal a secret, throughout the course of the week she behaves oddly, and Sikes and Fagin both notice. On Sunday night while the two are talking, Nancy tries to leave but is stopped by Sikes, who holds her down until midnight.

Fagin is under the mistaken assumption that Nancy has a new lover, and plots to get rid of Bill and acquire both Nancy and her new obsession.

Chapter 45

At breakfast, Fagin asks Noah to perform a special mission. He promises Noah a pound if he will follow a girl, one of their own, who he suspects of having "new friends". Noah readily agrees, and the next Sunday they go to Sike's house to wait. Nancy comes out and begins walking, and Noah follows at some distance behind her.

Chapter 46

Nancy, with Noah following, arrives at the bridge. She paces back and forth until an older gentleman and a young woman step down from their carriage. Nancy hurries them off the bridge, to a safer spot, and Noah conceals himself within hearing distance.

They begin talking. Nancy has been dreaming of death all day long, and is particularly nervous at this meeting. Brownlow asks her for information on Monks, so that they may find him, but if they cannot, he wants her to betray Fagin. Nancy will give them all she knows about Monks, but will not betray Fagin, one of her own kind. As she begins describing Monks, Brownlow starts, and begins muttering. It becomes apparent that he knows who Monks is.

Brownlow and Rose once again offer Nancy their assistance, but she refuses all help, taking only Rose's scarf as a memory of her kindness. Brownlow and Rose depart, and Noah runs to Fagin's as fast as he can.

Chapter 47

Fagin is enraged and frightened at Noah's report. He sits ruminating on all this new information when Bill comes in, back from his most recent robbery. Fagin asks Bill what he would do to a traitor, and Bill answers that he would have them killed, no matter who it may be. Fagin wakes Noah up, and has him reveal Nancy as the traitor. He leaves out, however, the promise that none of her associates be hurt in any way. Bill, enraged, runs home where Nancy is sleeping and wakes her up. Nancy begs for her life, but Bill ignores her and beats her to death.

Chapter 48

Sikes feels the corpse of Nancy is watching him as he makes his preparations to leave. He covers what's left of her up with the rug and burns all the evidence he can. He leaves London, rambling around the countryside before stopping at an inn for dinner. Here, a salesman comes by selling stain-remover, and spotting blood on Sikes' hat, wants to use him as an example. Sikes runs out of town and overhears two people talking about the ghastly murder of a woman in London.

Sikes hides in a shed. He feels haunted, and doesn't know what to do. In the town that night there is a fire, and Sikes spends the night helping the townspeople put it out. He overhears the firemen talking about the murder, and realizes the police are after him. He decides to go back to London, where they won't expect him to go. He realizes, however, that the dog is a dead giveaway for his identity. He tries to drown the animal, but it escapes.

Chapter 49

Monks is brought into Mr. Brownlow's house. He doesn't want to come in, but Brownlow threatens to turn him in if he does not. Monks walks in and sits. Brownlow reveals that Monks real name is Edward Leeford and how he pieced together the puzzle of Oliver's identity.

Mr. Leeford was Brownlow's old friend. At a young age, he was forced into an arranged marriage to a wealthy older woman. Unhappiness turned to hatred, and the couple eventually separated. Leeford fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Agnes Fleming, Oliver's mother. He gave Brownlow a picture painted of her, the face almost identical to Oliver's.

A sizeable fortune was left to Mr. Leeford, and he went to Rome to claim it, leaving Agnes alone and pregnant. Hearing of the inheritance, his wife and Edward went to Rome as well. There, Leeford fell ill and died, the mother burning his will so the fortune fell to them.

After meeting Oliver and having suspicions about his heritage, Brownlow traveled to the West Indies, where Monks had been living on the last of his money. He did not find Monks, however, because he had already returned to London. Brownlow accuses Monks of multiple crimes and deceit, and Monks can no longer pretend innocent.

Mr. Losberne bursts in with news that Sikes is close to being caught for the murder of Nancy, and that Fagin will be caught soon.

Chapter 50

Toby Crackit and Mr. Chitling are lying low in a destitute part of town. They are talking about Fagin and Noah's capture, as well as The Three Cripples become a trap. The white dog comes in through the window, and a few hours later Sikes appears as well. He wants to know information about Fagin's, and whether the body is buried.

There is another knock at the door, and Charley Bates comes in. He calls Bill a monster, and tries to attack him, calling for the others to help him. They are on the ground wrestling when the mob and police arrive. Bill, desperate, gets rope and climbs up onto the roof, planning to lower himself down. At the last second, however, he sees the eyes that have been haunting him all day, loses his balance, and accidentally hangs himself. The dog commits suicide as well by jumping out the window.

Chapter 51

Two days later, Oliver, Rose, Mrs. Maylie and Monks travel to the town of Oliver's birth. Seeing the familiar places brings back emotional memories for Oliver, but after all his adventures he views things differently. He mentions his friend at the orphanage, Dick, and wants to know if they can meet.

At the hotel, Grimwig is waiting for them. Oliver knows something significant is going on, and is nervous. Brownlow brings in Monks, introducing him as Oliver's older brother. Oliver is shocked, but the story is not over.

Monks reveals that when he and his mother went to Rome they found a letter address to Agnes Fleming in which they found information of the affair and the locket. They also found the will, which they burned. The will stated that Agnes' child, if a girl, should inherit his estate, and, if a boy, on the condition that he is not guilty of any crime.

Brownlow continues the story. When Edward was 18 he stole his mother's jewelry and money to go live on the streets of London. His mother came to Mr. Brownlow, asking him to help find her boy before she died. On her deathbed, she told Edward that she was sure Agnes had a male child, and that he was alive. She entreated him to find the boy and put an end to him.

Mr. and Mrs. Bumble are brought in and questioned about the locket, the proof of Oliver's heritage. They pretend to know nothing, until the old servant ladies reveal that they eavesdropped at the door the night Old Sally died, and saw Mrs. Bumble get the locket and ring. Mr. Brownlow ensures that neither of them will hold a public office again.

There is yet more to the story. Mr. Brownlow asks Monks what happened to Agnes' family when Mr. Leeford died. Monks reveals that, pregnant and alone, Agnes left her family so their name would not be stained. The father died of a broken heart, and her younger sister was given to the care of two poor cottage-dwellers. His mother, out of spite, visited the family and assured them that Rose was born of bad blood, and her reputation was stained. Later, Mrs. Maylie, having seen the girl and taking pity on her, adopted her as her own. This means that Rose is Agnes' sister, and Oliver's aunt.

After all the excitement is over, Harry comes in and proposes to Rose once again. He renounced his name and fortune, and bought a humble house for them to live in. Rose accepts his proposal, and everyone gathers for dinner. Oliver begins crying, for he hears that his dear friend, Dick, is dead.

Chapter 52

Fagin is sentenced to be hanged by the court and is escorted into his cell alone. There he must wait several days until his sentence is fulfilled, and he becomes increasingly mad during his imprisonment.

Mr. Brownlow and Oliver, on the day of his hanging, visit Fagin. Mr. Brownlow asks Fagin where the papers concerning Oliver are, as Monks left them in his care. Fagin is delirious and ranting, and eventually tells Oliver where the papers are before trying to escape. He is taken out of his cell down to the gallows.

Chapter 53

Three months after the events of the novel concluded, Rose and Harry are married and move to their small town in the country. Mrs. Maylie, Dr. Losberne, Mr. Brownlow, Oliver and their servants all move to the town as well. Mr. Grimwig visits often, and makes jokes about his distrust of Oliver originally. Giles and Brittles divide their attention among all the good friends equally, so that no one knows whom they actually serve.

With Sikes dead and Fagin hanged, Charley Bates decides to lead an honest life and becomes exceedingly happy working on a farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bumble, deprived of their stations, become so poor they are forced to live in the workhouse Oliver was born in.

Most importantly, Mr. Brownlow adopts Oliver as his son. The inheritance is split between Oliver and Monks, so that Monks might have a chance to redeem himself, but he squanders the money and ends up dying in prison. Mr. Brownlow tutors Oliver in all manner of subjects, and the two become truly close. A simple tombstone with the name Agnes is raised in the graveyard, and the narrator speaks of the importance of Mercy and Benevolence.