Oliver Twist | Charles Dickens | Cliff Note Books
“Oliver Twist” follows the story of an orphan boy named Oliver, who faces numerous hardships and challenges as he navigates the harsh realities of Victorian London.
The novel begins with Oliver’s birth in a workhouse, where his mother dies shortly after giving birth to him. Raised in the workhouse under the care of the cruel Mr. Bumble and the matron, Mrs. Mann, Oliver endures a difficult and impoverished childhood.
At the age of nine, Oliver is sent to work as an apprentice for an undertaker, but he faces mistreatment and abuse, prompting him to escape to London. There, he falls into the hands of a gang of young thieves led by Fagin, an elderly criminal mastermind. Oliver is unwittingly drawn into a life of crime, participating in their thieving activities.
During a failed burglary, Oliver is wounded and taken in by Mrs. Maylie, a kind-hearted woman who cares for him. Oliver becomes part of their household, forming a bond with Mrs. Maylie, her adopted niece Rose, and their loyal friend, Mr. Brownlow.
Meanwhile, Mr. Brownlow suspects that there is more to Oliver’s story and begins to investigate his background. This leads to a shocking revelation: Oliver is not just an orphan, but the illegitimate child of Edwin Leeford and Agnes Fleming.
In a dramatic turn of events, Oliver is kidnapped by Fagin’s associate, Bill Sikes, who plans to use him in a robbery. However, Oliver manages to escape and is eventually reunited with his true family. Sikes meets a tragic end while attempting to flee from the law.
The novel ends with Oliver living a comfortable and happy life with Mr. Brownlow, Mrs. Maylie, and their extended family. Fagin and many other criminals meet their fates, while Oliver finds love, acceptance, and a chance at a better future.
“Oliver Twist” is not only a coming-of-age story but also a scathing critique of the social injustices and inequalities of Dickens’s time. It sheds light on the plight of orphans, the harsh conditions of workhouses, and the criminal underworld, while advocating for compassion and reform.
QUOTES
“Please, sir, I want some more.” – Oliver Twist (Oliver’s famous plea for more food at the workhouse, highlighting his hunger and desperation)
“I see it all plain enough; he would be a thorough-base scoundrel; and if I ever meet with him I’ll… I’ll… I’ll do something or other to him that I will, for he sha’n’t rob me of my property. […] No, no, he won’t, Fagin; don’t think it.” – The Artful Dodger (referring to Oliver and expressing his distrust)
“It is because I think so much of warm and sensitive hearts, that I would spare them from being wounded.” – Nancy (speaking about her motivation to protect Oliver from harm)
“Where is the boy? He shall be taken care of… He shall be taught his duty.” – Mr. Brownlow (deciding to offer help and guidance to Oliver)
“I hope you may be able to think so, before I am very much older. […] If I do not get better, soon, I shall lose my senses, I shall not be fit for work, or for anything.” – Oliver Twist (expressing his despair and longing for a better future)
“The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love colour the most.” – Rose Maylie (reflecting on the power of beauty and aesthetic appreciation)
“It is a pleasant thing to see that the sun has been there; to know that the air and light are on them every day; to feel that they are children, and lead children’s lives.” – Oliver Twist (appreciating the simple joys and freedom enjoyed by children)
“A boy who half-starves himself and is afraid of his own shadow, isn’t likely to become a bold young fellow.” – Mr. Sowerberry (commenting on Oliver’s timid nature and difficult upbringing)
AUTHOR
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a renowned English writer and social critic, considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and remain widely read and appreciated today.
Born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, Charles John Huffam Dickens was the second of eight children. His father, John Dickens, was a naval clerk who dreamed of striking it rich but never did, resulting in a precarious financial situation for the family.
When Dickens was 12, his father was imprisoned for debt, a common practice in Victorian England. The family moved into the Marshalsea Prison with John Dickens, while Charles was forced to leave school and work in a boot-blacking factory to support the family. This period had a profound impact on Dickens and influenced much of his later writing about social issues and the plight of the poor.
Dickens eventually returned to school but left at 15 to work as an office boy at an attorney’s. He later became a freelance reporter at the law courts of London, a job that gave him a close-up view of the city’s underbelly and the injustices suffered by the poor.
His writing career took off when he started publishing humorous sketches of London life in various periodicals. These were later compiled into a collection called “Sketches by Boz”. His first novel, “The Pickwick Papers,” was serialized in 1836, and its success made Dickens a literary sensation.
Throughout his career, Dickens wrote 15 major novels and numerous short stories, including “Oliver Twist,” “Nicholas Nickleby,” “David Copperfield,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” and “Great Expectations.” He often used his works to highlight social issues, including poverty, child labor, and the harsh conditions of Victorian England.
Dickens was also known for his public readings from his novels, which were hugely popular. He died of a stroke on June 9, 1870, leaving his final novel, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” unfinished. He was buried in the Poets’ Corner of Westminster Abbey.
Dickens’ influence on literature cannot be overstated. His characters, from Ebenezer Scrooge to Oliver Twist, have become cultural icons, and his novels continue to be widely read, studied, and adapted for stage and screen.
CRITICISMS
While “Oliver Twist” is widely regarded as a classic and beloved novel, there have been a few criticisms raised regarding the book. Here are a couple of common criticisms:
Simplistic Characters: Some critics argue that the characters in “Oliver Twist” are often portrayed in a somewhat one-dimensional manner, falling into distinct categories of either extreme goodness or extreme wickedness. This can be seen in characters like Oliver, who is depicted as a pure and innocent victim, and Fagin, who is presented as a cunning and entirely evil figure. Some readers find this lack of nuanced characterization to be a weakness in the novel.
Melodramatic Plot: The plot of “Oliver Twist” has been criticized for its occasional reliance on melodrama and coincidences. The numerous coincidental encounters and highly dramatic events that take place can be seen as stretching believability and straining the reader’s suspension of disbelief. This can lead to a sense of contrivance and undermine the realism of the narrative.
It’s important to note that these criticisms do not diminish the overall significance and impact of “Oliver Twist.” They are subjective viewpoints that highlight specific aspects of the novel that some readers may find less satisfying or problematic.
DISCUSSION
When studying “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, there are several discussion points that can be explored. Here are a few examples:
Social Critique: “Oliver Twist” is a powerful social critique of the conditions faced by the poor and disadvantaged in Victorian England. Discuss how Dickens exposes the harsh realities of workhouses, child labor, poverty, and the criminal underworld. Explore the societal issues highlighted in the novel and the author’s call for social reform.
Class and Social Inequality: The stark divide between the rich and the poor is a prominent theme in the book. Analyze the portrayal of social classes in “Oliver Twist” and the impact of socioeconomic inequality on characters’ lives. Discuss how Dickens presents the struggles faced by those born into poverty and the role of privilege and social status in the narrative.
The Power of Goodness and Innocence: Oliver’s unwavering goodness and innocence are central to the story. Explore the significance of Oliver as a symbol of purity and virtue in a corrupt and cruel world. Discuss how his character influences the people around him and the themes of redemption and hope in the novel.
Character Development: “Oliver Twist” features a range of complex characters, each with their own motivations and flaws. Analyze the development of key characters such as Fagin, Nancy, Bill Sikes, and Mr. Brownlow. Examine their moral complexities, the factors that shape their actions, and their ultimate fates.
The Power of Language and Satire: Dickens was known for his use of language and satire. Explore how he employs these literary techniques in “Oliver Twist” to criticize societal institutions, such as the workhouse and the justice system. Discuss the effects of his satire on the reader and the broader social commentary conveyed through his writing.
Parent-Child Relationships: The theme of parentage and the absence of nurturing parental figures is prevalent in the novel. Discuss the various parent-child relationships portrayed, such as Oliver’s quest for a loving family and the contrasting examples of neglectful or abusive parental figures. Analyze how these relationships shape the characters’ lives and the broader themes of identity and belonging.
The Role of Fate and Coincidence: Coincidence plays a significant role in the plot of “Oliver Twist.” Explore the theme of fate and the ways in which chance encounters and events shape the narrative. Discuss the significance of these coincidences and their impact on the characters’ lives.
SUMMARIES
Chapter 1:
The novel begins with the birth of Oliver Twist in a workhouse. His mother dies shortly after giving birth, leaving him to the care of the parish authorities.
Chapter 2:
Oliver is sent to a workhouse where he grows up in harsh conditions, enduring hunger and mistreatment. He becomes known as a troublemaker.
Chapter 3:
Oliver is transferred to a larger workhouse where he experiences more abuse. He dares to ask for more food and is promptly sold as an apprentice.
Chapter 4:
Oliver is apprenticed to an undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry, who mistreats him. Oliver’s misery leads him to run away to London.
Chapter 5:
Oliver arrives in London and meets Jack Dawkins, known as the Artful Dodger, who introduces him to Fagin, the leader of a gang of child thieves.
Chapter 6:
Oliver is drawn into Fagin’s criminal activities and begins his life as a pickpocket. He learns the trade from the Dodger and other young thieves.
Chapter 7:
Oliver is sent on a pickpocketing mission with the Dodger and another boy named Charley Bates. They target an old gentleman named Mr. Brownlow, but their plan goes awry.
Chapter 8:
Oliver is wrongly accused of attempting to steal from Mr. Brownlow. Despite his protests of innocence, Oliver is taken into custody.
Chapter 9:
Mr. Brownlow takes an interest in Oliver’s case and believes in his innocence. He defends Oliver and takes him into his home to care for him.
Chapter 10:
Oliver enjoys a brief period of happiness and security in Mr. Brownlow’s home. However, his newfound peace is disrupted when Nancy, a member of Fagin’s gang, discovers Oliver’s whereabouts.
Chapter 11:
Nancy, a member of Fagin’s gang, reports back to Fagin and the brutal thief, Bill Sikes, about Oliver’s new living arrangements. Fagin and Sikes plot to recapture Oliver.
Chapter 12:
Mr. Brownlow and Oliver take a trip to the countryside. Oliver is happy and begins to form a bond with Mr. Brownlow, who considers adopting him.
Chapter 13:
Fagin and the gang, including the Artful Dodger and Charley Bates, devise a plan to kidnap Oliver during the country trip. However, their attempt fails.
Chapter 14:
Oliver returns to London with Mr. Brownlow, unaware of the failed kidnapping plot. Fagin fears that Oliver may reveal their criminal activities.
Chapter 15:
Nancy and Bet, another member of Fagin’s gang, visit Oliver at Mr. Brownlow’s house. Nancy tries to convince Oliver to return to Fagin’s gang but fails.
Chapter 16:
Oliver falls ill with a fever and is cared for by the kind-hearted Mrs. Maylie and her adopted niece, Rose. They nurse him back to health.
Chapter 17:
Oliver becomes acquainted with the Maylies and develops a close friendship with Rose. He expresses his desire to become a better person.
Chapter 18:
Oliver learns more about the Maylies’ past and their connection to a mysterious young woman named Agnes Fleming. He becomes curious about his own identity.
Chapter 19:
Monks, a mysterious and sinister character, meets secretly with Fagin. They discuss Oliver and their shared interest in preventing him from discovering the truth about his past.
Chapter 20:
Oliver accompanies Rose and Mrs. Maylie to visit the grave of Agnes Fleming. During their visit, they are observed by a stranger who becomes suspicious of their actions.
Chapter 21:
Oliver continues to live with Mr. Brownlow and the Maylies. He receives an education and begins to cultivate a sense of morality and goodness.
Chapter 22:
Fagin becomes increasingly concerned that Oliver may expose their criminal activities. He sends a spy, a cunning boy named Noah Claypole, to gather information about Oliver.
Chapter 23:
Noah Claypole returns to Fagin and reveals that he has learned about Oliver’s past. Fagin sees an opportunity to exploit this information for his own benefit.
Chapter 24:
Oliver’s half-brother, Monks, meets with Fagin and shares his own interest in preventing Oliver from discovering the truth about their shared heritage.
Chapter 25:
Monks reveals to Fagin the history of Oliver’s mother, Agnes Fleming, and her involvement with a secret marriage. They discuss their plan to ensure that Oliver remains ignorant of his true identity.
Chapter 26:
Rose Maylie receives a letter from Harry Maylie, her love interest, who has been abroad. The letter hints at a dark secret and the potential danger that looms over Rose.
Chapter 27:
Oliver becomes aware of a growing bond between Rose and Harry. He witnesses a confrontation between Rose and Monks, but the nature of their dispute remains unknown to him.
Chapter 28:
Oliver encounters Noah Claypole, who reveals the information he learned about Oliver’s past. Distressed and confused, Oliver confronts Mr. Brownlow about his true identity.
Chapter 29:
Mr. Brownlow shares the truth about Oliver’s parentage, revealing his connection to the Maylies and the dark secrets surrounding his birth. Oliver’s true identity shocks him and raises new questions.
Chapter 30:
Fagin and the gang prepare to leave London due to mounting suspicions and the fear of capture. Oliver’s knowledge of their criminal activities puts him in danger.
Chapter 31:
Oliver, haunted by the revelation of his true identity, sets out to seek his fortune. He meets with Mr. Grimwig, a friend of Mr. Brownlow’s, who offers him advice and support.
Chapter 32:
Oliver arrives in London and encounters a kind-hearted man named Mr. Losberne, who becomes an ally and provides him with temporary shelter.
Chapter 33:
Oliver witnesses a theft by a man named Jack Dawkins, who turns out to be the Artful Dodger. Oliver chases after him and inadvertently becomes involved in another criminal scheme.
Chapter 34:
Oliver finds himself in the company of the Artful Dodger and Charley Bates, who introduce him to their new accomplice, Nancy. Unaware of her connection to Fagin, Oliver befriends her.
Chapter 35:
Oliver accompanies Nancy and the others to meet Fagin. He witnesses their criminal activities but remains determined to lead an honest life.
Chapter 36:
Monks, Oliver’s half-brother, observes his interactions with Nancy and becomes alarmed. He fears that Oliver’s association with her may lead to the uncovering of their secrets.
Chapter 37:
Oliver unwittingly becomes a witness to a secret meeting between Monks and Fagin. He overhears their conversation but struggles to understand its full significance.
Chapter 38:
Oliver is pursued by Nancy, who wants to protect him from Fagin and Monks. She reveals her inner turmoil and the conflict between her loyalty to Fagin and her affection for Oliver.
Chapter 39:
Nancy secretly arranges a meeting between Rose Maylie, Mr. Brownlow, and Oliver. She hopes to expose Monks’s true nature and secure Oliver’s future.
Chapter 40:
Nancy’s plan to expose Monks is discovered by Fagin, who fears the consequences of her actions. Sikes, fueled by jealousy and suspicion, brutally murders Nancy.
Chapter 41:
Following Nancy’s murder, a manhunt begins for her killer, Bill Sikes. The police and angry mobs search for him, and he hides in London’s slums.
Chapter 42:
Sikes becomes increasingly paranoid and desperate, haunted by his crime. He believes that the walls of the houses are closing in on him.
Chapter 43:
Sikes attempts to escape London but finds himself trapped on a rooftop. In a fit of panic, he accidentally hangs himself while trying to jump across a rooftop.
Chapter 44:
The news of Sikes’s death spreads, and his body is discovered. Meanwhile, Monks receives a letter from Fagin, revealing the circumstances of Oliver’s birth.
Chapter 45:
Monks burns the letter from Fagin to conceal the truth about Oliver’s parentage. He decides to travel to the West Indies to secure his inheritance.
Chapter 46:
Rose Maylie falls seriously ill, and her life hangs in the balance. The kindly Mrs. Maylie and Mr. Losberne care for her, while Oliver remains devoted by her side.
Chapter 47:
Monks’s plan to leave for the West Indies is disrupted when he encounters Mr. Brownlow, who recognizes him. Monks realizes that his secrets may be exposed.
Chapter 48:
Monks confesses his guilt to Mr. Brownlow, revealing the dark secrets of his past and his role in Oliver’s troubles. Mr. Brownlow decides to offer him a chance at redemption.
Chapter 49:
The truth about Oliver’s parentage and the plot against him is revealed. Mr. Brownlow and Oliver confront Monks, who agrees to sign a document renouncing his claim to Oliver’s inheritance.
Chapter 50:
Monks flees London, leaving behind his life of crime. The Maylies and their friends reflect on the events and find solace in the knowledge that justice has been served.
Chapter 51:
After the resolution of the main conflicts, the narrative jumps forward in time. Oliver, now a young man, enjoys a peaceful and contented life with Mr. Brownlow, Mrs. Maylie, and their friends.
Chapter 52:
Mr. Brownlow decides to take a trip abroad and plans to bring Oliver with him. Before their departure, Oliver visits the graves of his mother and the kind-hearted Mr. Leeford.
Chapter 53:
Oliver bids farewell to the Maylies and his friends in the village. He embarks on his journey with Mr. Brownlow, leaving behind the events and hardships of his past.