Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens - A short summary
Summary
chapter 1
1. What was Oliver Twist born? Why was his early life unhappy?- Oliver Twist was born in the local poor house in a certain English Town in 1837.
- In a certain English Town a baby boy was born in the local poor house. For several minutes after his birth, the sickly baby struggled feeble to breathe. The child won his first lonely battle in lie and setting up a feeble cry to announce his arrival.
3.What was ironical about the doctor’s comment ‘Oh you must not talk of dying yet?- The doctor knows the critical condition of the baby's mother. she is in her death bed due to sickness.
- The doctor raised her left hand, and saw there was no wedding ring. The doctor was disappointed and said with sadness that she was not married but had given birth to a baby in a poor local house.
- Oliver Twist, the name was given according to alphabetical order. Mr.Bumble the town beadle named the baby boy.
- Mr.Bumble the town beadle was a stupid fat man with a lot of self importance, but he had great powers over the miserable poor people of the town. He ill treated and starved the poor house inhabitants and when anything went wrong or some one died, he was quite prepared to swear to what ever would keep the jury from asking any awkward questions.
- Mrs. Maan took number of destitute orphans on payment by the town authorities of seven pence and half penny for each child for each week. The greater part of this money Mrs. Maan used for herself and she did not feed or clothe the miserable children at all great number of them died.
- He was spending his birthday locked in the coal cellar with two other boys, after a sound thrashing, for the great crime of daring to be hungry.
- The board of the poor house had recently decided that life for the inmates must be made even more unpleasant for them than it had been there before.
Why was Oliver Twist sold to Mr.Sowerberry?
- Oliver asked for more food as he was hungry. The new authorities were surprised and gave punishment to Oliver severely, for a week he remained locked up. he was carried to the hall where the other boys ate and publicly beaten as a warning to the others. at last Mr.Sowerberry the local undertaker agreed to take Oliver to work for him.
- Mr.Sowerberry was the local undertaker. HE and his wife both were unkind to Oliver, Charlotte the maid and Noah Claypole the other apprentice were also unkind to him. he was cursed, beaten, fed on scraps which the dog refused and made to sleep under the workshop bench among the coffins.
Writing
1.What does the Nurse’s comment of having thirteen children and seeing them all die except two, in the poor house with her, tell us of the Victorian England?- In the Victorian England the rich enjoyed the life and the poor suffered a lot, especially the small children had to work to support the family. Many faced hard life to survive.
chapter 2
- Oliver limped wearily into the little town of Barnet near London. He thought he would be safe from Mr.Bumble , so he sat in Barnet with bleeding feet and covered with dirt, on a cold doorstep, to o tired to beg. no one bothered to speak to the lonely little boy. A little boy came near to Oliver and asked about him and gave a pot of beer and food. after that the new stranger took Oliver to a new strange place.
- He was a small dirty boy with sharp,ugly eyes and bow legs, dressed in a man's clothes which were much too big for him. his name was Jack Dawkins, his friends called him the Artful Dodger meaning one who helps everyone.
- Oliver and Dodger entered a back room, Oliver saw that the walls and ceilings were black with age and dirt. There was an old table before the fire, on the table were a candle stuck in a bottle, a few pots and loaf of bread. In a frying pan on the fire, sausages were cooking and a very old shriveled and villainous looking jew stood over them with a toasting fork in his hand.
Writing
1. The city is repeating described as a labyrinth or a maze-once you get into, it is hard to get back out. It is hard to get back out. It is more like a prison. Dodger led Oliver through a ‘maze of dirty’, evil smelling’ streets. What is perhaps the warning that the maze contained? Discuss the symbolism that dickens tries to use?- The writer predicts the unfortunate future of Oliver through this scene.
chapter 3
1.What were the things? Where did they come from?
- Couple of pocket books, for larger silk pocket handkerchiefs from Charley Bates. The boys had stolen for Fagin.
- Fagin taught the small boys how to steal and made them thieves.
- When Fagin told that he would like to teach Oliver how t mark and pick the pocket handkerchief Oliver laughed as he was too innocent to understand the game. They were actually training the orphan children to steal. They were introduced to the life of Stealing.
- They were the needle marks.
- Oliver felt ashamed when Dodger teased small children and, Charley lifting the odd apple or onion from the trader's stalls at the roadside, Oliver grew ashamed of his companions.
- Oliver was horrified to see the Dodger put his hand into the old gentleman's pocket, pull out his handkerchief and run off at full speed, followed by Charley.
- Oliver and two other boys sauntered picking the odd apple or onion from the stalls at the roadside. suddenly they saw an old gentleman and they crept behind him. Oliver was horrified to see the Dodger put his hand into the old man's pocket and pulled out his handkerchief and ran off at full speed followed by Charley. At once Oliver understood the meaning of Fagin's games.
- Confused and frighten Oliver also ran away. but the old gentleman discovered his loss and turned around seeing Oliver he shouted,"stop thief', soon poor Oliver was chased by a large crowd of people. Oliver was stopped by a blow. Oliver was weak and shaken , dragged off to the police station with the old gentleman.
- Mr.Brownlow was the old gentleman who lost his handkerchief to Dodger and Charley. He begged Mr.Fang to be lenient to the little boy as he was hurt already. Oliver looked deathly pale and the room seemed to him to be turning round and round. He was not able to give his name before he fell heavily to the ground in a faint.
1. All at once Oliver understand the meaning of the games? What did he understand?
- He understood that they were playing the game of stealing.
- Fagin introduced the small children to the life of Thievery. Dawkins supported Fagin by bringing the innocent street children to Fagin to be a Thief. Bates too belong to Fagin gang and did all criminal activities. Mr.Bumble the town beadle ill treated and starved the poor house children. But Brownlow was so kind and humble gentleman, he felt sorry for Oliver and requested the Judge and the police officer to be kind and merciful to Oliver. Absolutely he was a stark contrast to the evil characters.
- Dodger and Charley were too small children but forced and trained to steal. so it was not their fault. The selfish society behind such poor,orphan kids were to be blamed.
1. Who was Bill Sikes? Describe in your own words the appearance of Bill Sikes?
- Bill Sikes was a stout man, strong looking man of about thirty five in a black velvet coat and dirty breeches. He had a brown hat on his head and dirty handkerchief round his neck. He had a broad,heavy face with three days growth of beard on it and two scowling eyes one of which had obviously from its blue black color been recently damaged by a blow.
- When Bill asked a drink without poison, Fagin fetched the drink looking as though he would very much have liked to put poison in it. It was a coincidence but both Fagin and Bill did not trust each other. They both were friends leading a criminal life.
- After Oliver's arrest Fagin was uncomfortable. Fagin was afraid that Oliver might say something about them to get into trouble.
4. Bullseye seems to be a constant companion to Sikes and is used to his master’s mistreatment. What does it reveal about this man – animal relationship?- Bill Sikes mistreated his pet dog. he cursed the dog, kicked the animal into a corner. But the dog used to such treatment and lay down quietly. man - animal relationship was portrayed as master and slave. But it should not be so as animals were innocent and great comfort to humans as they show unconditional love to humans.
- Nancy was persuaded by threats promises and bribes. Girls were not strong enough to fight against their situation. she was also a poor victim of poverty and living under the care of Fagin and Bill.
- Nancy wore a clean apron and bonnet and carried a basket to look more respectable woman of Victorian England.
Dignity, and even holiness too Sometimes are more questions of coat and waistcoat than Some people imagine! Is this why Nancy made to look respectable?
- Nancy made to look more respectable as the society was influenced by the looks of a person more than their living condition. The decent looking people were not questioned or doubted.
chapter 5
1.What does Mrs.Bedwin’s name seems to reveal?
- Mrs.Bedwin was Mr.Brwnlow’s house keeper. She too was kind to Oliver.
- They took good care and attention on Oliver.
- Mr.Brownlow suddenly was disturbed by the Oliver's pale face to a portrait of a beautiful lady which hung above Oliver's chair. Oliver turned to look at the portrait too was so struck by the obvious likeness to himself, in shock he fainted.
- Oliver gave his old clothes to a servant who had been kind to him and asked her to sell them to an old Jew, who dealt in old clothes.
- Mr.Grimwig was Mr.Brownlow's best friend. This gentleman,Mr.Brownlow told Oliver was an old friend , a little rough in his manner but a kind fellow at heart. Mr.Grimwig thought Oliver might deceive, he did not trust Oliver. He was arguing about Oliver's character and past life. When Mr.Brown sent him off with the books Mr.Grimwig was sure that Oliver would run away with those books and money.
- Mr. Brownlow trusted Oliver and gave the books to him to return as Mr. Brownlow would like to prove Oliver's honesty to Mr.Grimwig. He did not doubt Oliver. But he was worried about Oliver might caught by the Fagin and his men.
7. What was Mr.Grimwig quite sure about?
8. Tell in your own words what happened when Oliver went to the bookstall? How was Oliver kidnapped once again?
- Grimwing was sure that Oliver would not come as he had five pounds note and book. he doubted Oliver may run away.
8. Tell in your own words what happened when Oliver went to the bookstall? How was Oliver kidnapped once again?- When Oliver was on his way to the stall He was started by a cry of Nancy and a pair of arms were flung tightly around his neck. The passers-by joined in. Nancy told that he left home a month ago and joined a gang of (friends)thieves. Oliver refused her accusation. Then a man with a white dog came out. Oliver was hurried away by Nancy and Bill.
1. Oliver had suffered brutish treatment from his tormentors young and old- and now he was blessed to be in Heaven. How had life suddenly become worthwhile?
1. Why did Oliver beg Fagin to send the books back? Why was Oliver insistent that the books should be sent back even if he was retained?- The love, care and attention showing by Mr. Brownlow and Mrs. Bedwin gave comfort to Oliver Mrs.Bedwin carried him downstairs and fed him tenderly with broth. Oliver didn’t receive such love and care from anyone before.
Chapter 6
- Oliver said, the old gentleman was kind and nursed him. Oliver did not want him to think that the books were stolen by Oliver(him).
- Fagin and Bill discussed about a robbery at Chertsey. They need a small boy who could enter into a small hole to get into the house to open the main door. Fagin thought of Oliver and decided to send him with Bill and Toby.
- When Oliver made a sudden dash from the room followed by Fagin and the boys. The dog was sprang on to Oliver, Nancy came running closing the door quickly, she struggled with Sikes, Fagin took a stick and came to strike Oliver In furious but Nancy seized the stick from him and flung it in the fire.
- The power of women will be expressed when she oppressed by the society.
- Toby Crackit belongs to Fagin gang. He too villainous as Fagin.
- Fagin wanted to involve Oliver in all his criminal activities. Because Fagin assumed if Oliver had involved in criminal life, he would not say to anyone about Fagin and his illegal life to be caught.
Nancy comments, ‘you made me what I am and the street will be my home till I die’. How are circumstance responsible for ruining or saving a person?
- Circumstances can ruin a person's life. The children without parents are sent to orphanages, else they become street children due to their poverty and are introduced to criminal life, no one to guide them for their bright future. Nancy was such victim of criminal life. She with regret led her life.
- Oliver was longing for love and care. He was not in need of money. Oliver’s innocence made him to see the dirty life of the street children so he was so determined to refuse the threats.
chapter 7
1. Describe the journey to Chertsey. What did Oliver realize when they reached the house?- Nancy took Oliver from the house into a horse cab which drove away fast and took them to a house near Bethanal Green. there they found Bill who threatened Oliver with his pistol. At half past five next morning, Oliver set out with Bill. They walked for hours right the London to the west. they got a lift from Kensington to Isleworth, where they had a meal in a public house and got another lift from a carter. after more walking, the weary Oliver was led into a ruined house beside a river where they were greeted by a man whom Bill called Toby Crackit.
- They stopped outside a detached house surrounded by a high wall. all there were over the wall and creeping silently. suddenly it was clear to Oliver that house - breaking and robbery were the objects of their expedition.
- Toby meant that Oliver’s innocent face could be an added advantage. So that he could escape from any criminal situation.
- When Bill and Toby threatened him to do the robbery, Oliver realized their evil intentions and he did not want to involve himself to be a thief and begged them to leave him.
- The sound of the pistol would make noise and might wake up all in the house.
- Bill wanted Oliver to go softly up the steps straight before him and along the little hall to the street door, unfasten it and let Bill and Toby in.
- Oliver went quietly. Sikes suddenly cried to comeback scared by the sudden noise Oliver dropped his light and stood rooted to the spot. There was a loud cry and two terrified half-dressed men stood there and there was a flash of a loud noise, smoke, a crash and Oliver staggered backwards. The two men dragged Oliver up.
“Whatever they make you do it is not your fault” was Oliver responsible for his miseries in some way? Could he have escaped the clutches of the wretched men and their criminal intentions?
- Oliver was not responsible for his misfortunes because he was a weak boy. He was too innocent, he escaped from Mr.Sowerbery thinking that his miseries were over, but his troubles continued by Fagin gang. His physical weakness pushed him down. But mental strength made him strong to remain honest even though he could not escape.
chapter 8
- Toby told that the robbery was failed, they fired and hit the boys. They fled over the fields at the back with the boys between them. They chased them dogs. Bill took Oliver on his back and ran like the wind. They were caching up on them, so they left Oliver in a ditch and parted company.
- “The child is better where he is” said Nancy she felt guilty to kidnap Oliver
- Fagin meant that he was doing what the stranger asked to do.
- Each man for himself it reveals that they lived only for themselves, as their poverty pulled them down not allowing to think about others or the well being of the society. This was the condition of Victorian England.
- Monks saw a shadow of a lady. He was not feeling guilty, this showed that Monks was very cautious as he was planning to ruin the life of an innocent boy. Fagin did not see any shadow because he never felt guilty or regret. He carried out all evil plans without thinking about its sin. He only needs money.
Who was the person responsible for Oliver’s woes? What had the ‘evil duo’ planned for the orphan boy?
- being born as an orphan.
- Poor administration of the Local houses
- cruelty and selfish attitude of the authorities.
- loop holes in the legal Law system. All these became the prime factors in making the kinds into thieves.
Chapter 9
1. What happened to Oliver after Sikes left him in the ditch Where did he go?
- Oliver was abandoned in the ditch. Rain fell and soaked the boy. At last he woke, with a cry of pain. His left arm was useless as it was wounded. He was weak trembling from cold he tried to rise. He got slowing to his feet and staggered away he looked around and saw the house. He recognized it. He wanted to run away. But he was so weak and tottered across some steps, knocked feebly at the door and sank to the ground.
- one of the servant of the home at Chertsey
- He was treated with love,care and attention. Doctors were called, Oliver was given god medical treatment to recover soon.
- Miss Rose and Mrs.Maylie went to the room where Oliver was lying. They entered into the room and saw a small boy not washed recently but he didn't look at all fierce. they drew back the curtains of the bed. On it, instead of the black faced ruffian they expected to see, lay a mere child, worn out with pain and exhaustion, sunk in a deep sleep. His wounded arm, bandaged in a splint, lay across his breast. His head rested on his other arm, half hidden by his long hair which streamed over the pillow. He stirred in his sleep and smiled as Rose lifted his hair from his face. There were tears in her eyes.
- Rose felt sad for poor Oliver and requested her Aunty not to take away Oliver to prison.
- After recovering Oliver told Rose the new loving friend that he was very worried about Mr. Brownlow who had no idea what had happened to him and would think him most grateful Oliver felt the love and affection from Mr. Brownlow the first time.
- He went in search of Mr.Brownlow with Doctor Losberne. But the house was empty with a sign in the window, “to let”, the servant next doctor told them that Mr. Brownlow had sold all his goods and gone to west Indies. This made Oliver disappointed.
1. How did the hapless little, bleeding boy finally save himself and find real "friends"?
- Oliver was abandoned in the ditch. Rain fell and soaked the boy. At last he woke, with a cry of pain. His left arm was useless. He was weak trembling from cold, he tried to rise. He got slowing to his feet and staggered away he looked around and saw the house. He recognized it. He wanted to run away. But he was so weak and tottered across some steps, knocked feebly at the door and sank to the ground.
- Charles Dickens had given importance to the family in his stories, because without a family. children cannot realize the value of humanity. Their life would end up in ditch, as they would not learn love, and value of life.
chapter 10
1. Describe the incident when Oliver met the man with the mark on his cheek. What effect did this have on Oliver?- After three months, on an errand to the nearest town, he had bumped into a tall man wrapped in a clock. This gentleman, who had a dark red mark on his cheek had glared at Oliver with his large, dark eyes and cursed him with furious anger to Oliver small mistake.
2. Oliver witnessed a horrible sight from the window of his room. What did he see that terrorized him so much?- At the window, he would almost touch him, stood the Jew, peering into the room! and beside him, white with rage was the unforgettable face with red mark n the cheek. Then they were gone. Oliver stood with terror for a moment, then leaped from the window, shouting for help.
Writing
1. How did the new country side setting improve Oliver's health? What message was Dickens trying to convey about the city life?
- Oliver whose days had been spent among dirty crowds in the midst of noise and quarreling seemed to start a new life. Rose and honey Suckle climbed up the cottage walls; the garden was full of sweet, Smelling flowers and he walked with the ladies over green fields listening to their conversation. But City life is full of noise and pollution without nature. City life demanded more money and dominated by Evil powers to crush each other to climb up in life.
Chapter 11
1. What great mistake had the beadle made?- He had married the matron of the poor house because he had wrongly thought that she was rich.
2.
- The woman who nursed Oliver's mother during her delivery.
- They were persuaded by bribes and with an expectation of a large sum of money, they went to the ware house.
- Monks gave Twenty Five pounds and demanded her reply. Mrs.Bumble told that when old Sally, died she and Mrs.Bumble were alne. She told her with her last breath that she had stolen a locket and a ring from the dead mother of young Twist. Here they were, and she pushed a small packet across the table. The ring had the name "Agnes" engraved inside it and a date within a year of Oliver's birth, and the locket had two locks of hair. she gave the message in detail to Monks and parted away.
- Monks wanted Oliver to disappear from the world as he was destroying Monk’s plan without his knowledge.
- Mr. Bumble was keen on making extra money, he knew the possibility of getting a large sum of money from Mr.Monks.
- Still Oliver was not got over with his problems. Thunder roared in the dart symbolized the danger yet to come over Oliver evil, still continues to rule over the innocent.
- The rubbish was a small parcel which contains the ring It had the name” Agnes “engraved inside it and date within a year of Oliver’s birthday, and the locket had two locks of hair.
Writing
1. ‘Leave this to me you old fool’ what is the sacred relationship of marriage supposed to be like? What kind of a relationship did Bumble and his wife have?
- Mrs. Bumble has no meaning in her marriage life with Mr. Bumble. They had no scared relationship as both were greedy for their materialistic world.
Chapter 12
- To give all the information which she knew about Oliver and his birth and his half brother Monks.
2.What was the real purpose behind Monk’s evil intention of maligning Oliver?
- Monks wanted Oliver’s money. As Oliver was his half-brother and their father and divided the property and major part had been written on Oliver as the father trusted, Oliver would be honest through out his wife like his mother Agnes.
3. ‘If there were many like you, there would be less like me’ the moment Nancy see Rose she realized the difference in their circumstances. Explain?
2. Describe how Oliver met Mr Brownlow and Mrs Bedwin again
- Rose the pretty humble, loving girl lived in a well-mannered society with well-educated people around her. She also received love care and attention. But Nancy was manipulated by Fagin, she never had anyone to take care, she lived in the gutter that would be her death bed. This made Nancy so sad and worried and disappointed.
4. What did Nancy promise?
- Nancy promised to meet her on every Sunday night, from eleven till the clock struck twelve. She would walk on London Bridge.
- Miss.Rose after knowing all the details from Oliver as well as from Nancy decided to meet Mr.Brownlow the next day.
- They arrived, Rose left Oliver in the coach, saying she would prepare Mr.Brownlow to receive him. She found the old gentleman sitting with his friend, Mr.Grimwig and told them all Oliver's story since they last saw him. Mr Brownlow fetched Oliver in at once and he was happily reunited with Mr.Grimwig and Mrs Bedwin who alternately laughed and cried on his shoulder in her pleasure.
- The legal system was not satisfactory. Loop holes could help the animals to escape.
Writing
1. Men like Mr.Brown low are the reason why people still have faith in the goodness of people? Do you agree?
- Yes, I agree. Mr. Brownlow helped Oliver with love and real concern. He found out the whole truth about Oliver and Monks, he could not see the destruction of a small boy's life.
more to come....
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