Oliver Twist Summary

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Here you will find a Oliver Twist summary (Charles Dickens's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Oliver Twist Summary Overview

In the 1830s in England, a young boy named Oliver is born amidst dire circumstances. His unknown mother passes away shortly after his birth, leaving him to spend the initial nine years of his life in a dilapidated orphanage before moving to an adult workhouse. After being tormented into requesting additional food one day, the parish beadle, Mr. Bumble, offers a monetary reward to anyone who will remove the boy from the institution. Oliver narrowly evades becoming a chimney sweep's apprentice, and instead enters the service of a local funeral director, Mr. Sowerberry. After a heated altercation concerning his mother with another apprentice, Noah Claypole, Oliver is forced to flee. He heads for London, leaving at dawn. Just outside of London, a weakened and famished Oliver encounters Jack Dawkins, another boy his age who provides him with accommodation in the home of his patron, Fagin. However, Fagin proves to be a professional criminal, training orphaned boys to pickpocket for him. After witnessing an act of theft during a mission, Oliver runs away, horrified. Although captured, he manages to avoid conviction for the crime, and is subsequently taken in by Mr. Brownlow, the victim of the theft, who nurses him back to health. Oliver's striking resemblance to a portrait in Mr. Brownlow's home does not go unnoticed. Nevertheless, Oliver is kidnapped by two members of Fagin’s group, Bill Sikes and his girlfriend Nancy, and taken back to Fagin. Oliver is then coerced into assisting Sikes in a burglary attempt, during which he is shot and left behind. The residents of the house, Mrs. Maylie and her adopted niece Rose, tend to him and grow fond of him. However, Fagin and a shady man called Monks are determined to seize Oliver once more. Oliver’s late mother's gold locket, which Monks destructively acquires, is eventually revealed. When Nancy discloses Fagin's plans to Rose, she is overheard by one of Fagin's gang members, leading Sikes to murder her before absconding. Eventually, Sikes meets his death while trying to elude an irate mob. Mr. Brownlow, who has reunited with Oliver, confronts Monks and discovers that he is Oliver’s half-brother. Monks had been scheming to deny his half-brother his rightful inheritance. After coercing Monks to forfeit Oliver's inheritance to him, it is unveiled that Rose is the younger sister of Oliver’s mother, making her Oliver’s aunt. Fagin is sentenced to death for his crimes. In the end, Oliver is adopted by Mr. Brownlow and they, along with the Maylies, retreat to a peaceful life in the countryside.

chapter 1

Oliver Twist arrives into the world as a frail newborn in a poorhouse. His birth is overseen by the local medic and an inebriated caregiver. After planting a soft kiss on his brow, his mother breathes her last. The caregiver reveals that Oliver's mother was discovered in the streets on the previous night. The medic observes the absence of a marriage band on her finger.

chapter 2

The workhouse sends Oliver to a subsidiary facility for young law offenders. The manager, Mrs. Mann, is given funds to care for each kid, but she retains the majority and lets them starve, occasionally leading to their deaths. When Oliver turns nine, Mr. Bumble, a local church officer, tells Mrs. Mann that Oliver is too mature to stay with her. As his parents are unknown, he's required to go back to the workhouse. Mrs. Mann is curious about Oliver's name origin, and Bumble reveals he names the orphans off a list in alphabetic order. Mrs. Mann gets Oliver, and while Bumble is distracted, she threatens Oliver to keep quiet about her facility's poor conditions. Before Oliver leaves, Mrs. Mann provides him with some food so he doesn't appear famished at the workhouse. The workhouse gives the destitute a chance to die gradually from hunger rather than quickly on the streets. The death count at the workhouse is high, leading to a big expense on undertaker's bill. Oliver and his friends endure the agonies of chronic starvation. One night, a boy threatens to eat his peers if he doesn't get more food. The frightened children draw straws, forcing the loser to ask for more food for the boy. Oliver loses, and his demand for more food at dinner time shocks the workhouse authorities. They offer a five-pound reward to anyone willing to take Oliver away.

chapter 3

Oliver endures punishment in the workhouse, receiving lashes before being isolated in darkness for public display. Mr. Gamfield, a harsh chimney sweep with a history of apprentice deaths, bids to take Oliver under his wing for a sum exceeding three pounds. The deal is about to be closed in front of a magistrate, with Mr. Bumble, Mr. Gamfield, and Oliver present. However, Oliver's frightened expression catches the magistrate's attention. Upon being questioned, Oliver pleads on his knees for any punishment but apprenticeship to Mr. Gamfield - even if it means death. Moved by his plea, the magistrate rejects the apprenticeship proposal, and Oliver is again advertised as available by the workhouse officials.

chapter 4

The workhouse administrators ponder over sending Oliver to sea, anticipating a quick death in these harsh conditions. But, the local undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry, makes Oliver his apprentice. Mr. Bumble sternly warns Oliver of severe repercussions if he grumbles about his circumstances. Mrs. Sowerberry, noting Oliver's petite size, is reassured by Mr. Bumble that he will sprout taller. Still, she complains, as his growing will deplete their stock of food. She then offers Oliver the dog's rejected scraps which he consumes gratefully. After his meal, Mrs. Sowerberry escorts him to his bed, worried about his seemingly vast appetite.

chapter 5

Noah Claypole, the apprentice of Mr. Sowerberry, rouses Oliver in the morning. During breakfast, both Noah and Charlotte, the housemaid, ridicule Oliver. Later, Oliver assists Sowerberry in arranging a poor person's funeral. The husband of the dead woman angrily laments her starvation-induced death. He shares how his attempt to beg was met with imprisonment by local authorities. The deceased's mother pleads for bread and a coat for the funeral. Ahead of the burial at the cemetery, several ragtag children resort to jumping over the coffin for entertainment. Mr. Bumble punishes some of them. The funeral service, conducted by a clergyman, is over in a mere four minutes. The bereaved family is hurriedly escorted out of the graveyard by Mr. Bumble, while Mr. Sowerberry takes the coat from the dead woman's mother. Following these incidents, Oliver concludes he has no liking for the funeral business.

chapter 6

An outbreak of measles strikes, providing Oliver with plenty of exposure to the funeral business. His boss dresses him nicely to join the funeral processions. Oliver observes that the families of deceased, rich, old individuals seem to recover swiftly from their sorrow after the burial. Noah grows increasingly envious of Oliver’s rapid progression. One day, he derides Oliver's deceased mother. Enraged, Oliver retaliates. Coming to Noah's rescue, Charlotte and Mrs. Sowerberry gang up on Oliver, beating him and confining him to the cellar.

chapter 7

In a distressed state, Noah fetches Mr. Bumble, exaggerating his injuries from his tussle with Oliver. Mr. Bumble tells Mrs. Sowerberry that Oliver gets too bold from consuming meat. Furious, Oliver thumps on the cellar door. Upon Sowerberry's return, he strikes and confines Oliver anew. Oliver's anger soon turns into sorrow. The following daybreak, Oliver decides to escape. As he leaves town, he crosses the workhouse, his old dwelling, and spots his friend Dick in the yard. Dick promises to keep Oliver's departure a secret and bids him a heartfelt goodbye.

chapter 8

Embarking on a 70-mile journey to London, Oliver is worn down by hunger, cold, and tiredness over a week. He encounters a village where signs warn of punishment for beggars. On his last legs, he finally reaches a town near London and falls unconscious in a doorway. A boy his age called Jack Dawkins, who exhibits grown-up manners and dresses like an adult, finds him. Jack buys Oliver a hearty meal and tells him about a "genelman" in London who would provide him free shelter. Oliver discovers Jack is also known as "the Artful Dodger," and he intends to win favor with the London gentleman to avoid further association with Jack. In the evening, the Dodger leads Oliver to a run-down locality in London. They gain entry to a decrepit house using a password. Inside a grimy, dark room, they find an "old shrivelled Jew" named Fagin and a group of boys enjoying their meal. The room is filled with hanging silk handkerchiefs, and the boys, all seemingly younger than the Dodger, are smoking pipes and consuming alcohol. After sharing the meal, Oliver falls into a deep slumber.

chapter 9

On the following day, Fagin opens a box filled with precious jewels and timepieces. Spotting Oliver's gaze, Fagin, clutching a bread knife, questions Oliver's state of consciousness an hour prior. When Oliver denies being awake, Fagin's friendly persona resurfaces. Charley Bates and the Artful Dodger join them, bringing along two wallets and four scarves they had seized earlier. Fagin suggests that Oliver should learn how to remove the labels from the scarves using a needle. Oblivious to the fact that he's part of a group of thieves, Oliver takes their teaching comments about creating scarves and wallets at face value. The two boys, Dodger and Charley, engage in a playful pocket-picking exercise with Fagin. Nancy and Bet, two jovial young women, stop by for a visit. Afterward, Fagin hands out some change to all of them and then dismisses them. He allows Oliver to try his hand at pocket-picking, rewarding him with a coin for his successful attempt.

chapter 10

Fagin trains Oliver in pickpocketing for several days, reprimanding the Dodger and Charley if they don't bring back loot. Eventually, Fagin sends Oliver out with the other boys on a job. While out, the Dodger identifies a wealthy man engrossed in a book at a stall. Oliver is horrified when he sees Charley and the Dodger quietly steal the man's handkerchief, and it dawns on him what Fagin's business truly is. The man turns around to see Oliver fleeing and assumes he's the culprit. He yells out, and when the Dodger and Charley see Oliver sprinting by them, they also shout, “Stop thief!” A substantial crowd joins the chase. A policeman shows up, disregards Oliver’s pleas of innocence, and detains him. The robbed gentleman requests the policeman not to harm Oliver and accompanies them to the police station.

chapter 11

Oliver is confined in a cell while waiting for his court session with Mr. Fang, the local magistrate. Despite Mr. Brownlow's objections about not pressing charges, as he vaguely recognizes something familiar in Oliver's features, the boy collapses in court. Consequently, Mr. Fang decides to sentence him to three months of strenuous labor. However, the bookstall proprietor rushes in, exonerating Oliver by revealing the real culprits behind the crime. Cleared from all accusations, a sympathetic Brownlow takes the frail Oliver, escorts him into a carriage and leaves the premises.

chapter 12

Oliver suffers from a high fever for several days, and upon regaining consciousness, he finds Mrs. Bedwin, Brownlow’s compassionate housekeeper, attending to him. Oliver feels a maternal presence, as if his own mother is near him. Mrs. Bedwin is deeply moved by Oliver's unfortunate history. Once he recovers enough to move, Mrs. Bedwin helps him downstairs where a painting of a young lady deeply affects Oliver. Brownlow visits to check on Oliver's health. Grateful, Oliver expresses his gratitude for Brownlow's benevolence. Brownlow, struck by the resemblance between Oliver and the young lady in the painting, expresses his surprise. This revelation shocks Oliver to the point of fainting.

chapter 13

Fagin becomes furious when Charley and the Dodger come back without Oliver. In his anger, Fagin throws a beer pot at Charley, yet it ends up hitting Bill Sikes, a harsh man who earns a living through burglary. They then decide they need to find Oliver before he exposes their criminal activities to the law. They convince Nancy to visit the police station to uncover what became of Oliver. To blend in, Nancy dons fine attire and poses as Oliver's worried sister at the police station. She discovers that Oliver was taken to a house in Pentonville by the man whose handkerchief was stolen, after falling sick at his trial. Fagin then sends Charley, Jack, and Nancy to Pentonville to track down Oliver. Upon their departure, Fagin decides to shift his operation temporarily and pockets the watches and jewelry from the concealed box.

chapter 14

Oliver realizes that the lady's portrait, which he is said to resemble, no longer hangs in the housekeeper's room. Mrs. Bedwin mentions that it was Brownlow who removed it because it seemed to unsettle Oliver. Brownlow later summons Oliver to his study. Oliver, fearing that Brownlow intends to dismiss him, pleads to stay and work as a servant. Brownlow reassures Oliver that he only wishes to be his friend and then requests Oliver to share his past. However, their conversation gets interrupted by Brownlow's friend, Mr. Grimwig, who arrives for a visit. Grimwig, a grumpy old gentleman, subtly suggests that Oliver may be prone to misbehavior. Brownlow, however, tolerates his friend's eccentricity cheerfully. Mrs. Bedwin hands over a package of books that the bookstore's delivery boy brought. Brownlow wanted to send the payment and some returns with the boy, but he had already left. Grimwig proposes that Oliver should be sent instead but insinuates that Oliver could potentially run off with the payment and books. Wanting to disprove Grimwig, Brownlow dispatches Oliver with the task. As the night draws in, Oliver fails to return.

chapter 15

Oliver unwittingly strays on his journey to the bookseller. Abruptly, Nancy emerges. She deceitfully informs all passersby that Oliver, her allegedly absconding brother, has allied himself with a gang of burglars, and she intends to return him to their family. All disregard Oliver's objections. Bill Sikes makes a quick exit from a pub, joining Nancy to forcefully lead Oliver through murky back alleys.

chapter 16

Nancy, Sikes and Oliver reach a run-down home in a decrepit area. Upon seeing Oliver's ostentatious attire, Fagin, the Dodger, and Charley burst into laughter. Oliver attempts to escape and cries for help, but Sikes warns him of his ferocious dog, Bull’s-eye. Nancy steps in to protect Oliver, reminding them of the promising future they've demolished. Having served Fagin since her early years, she is well-versed with the dishonorable path awaiting Oliver. Fagin's attempt to punish Oliver for trying to escape incites Nancy's fury and she attacks him. Sikes restrains her until she loses consciousness. They strip Oliver of his possessions, including his clothes, Brownlow’s cash, and his books. Fagin outfits him with his old clothes and sends him off to sleep. Mrs. Bedwin had sold Oliver's old clothes to a Jewish man who informs Fagin of Oliver's whereabouts.

chapter 17

Mr. Brownlow places an ad in the newspaper, offering five guineas to anyone who can provide details about Oliver’s history or present location. Mr. Bumble, who is on a journey to London, spots the ad and rushes to Brownlow’s residence. He reports that Oliver has shown nothing but "treachery, ingratitude, and malice" since his birth, and that he unreasonably attacked Noah Claypole. Brownlow concludes that Oliver is a fraud. However, Mrs. Bedwin is not convinced by Mr. Bumble's claims.

chapter 18

Oliver is left confined in the residence for long periods by Fagin, and is left alone during the day. Charley and The Dodger question his resistance to joining them, as money flows easily in their "jolly life." Gradually, Fagin permits Oliver to spend more time around the other boys. On occasion, Fagin entertains his gang with humorous tales of his own past thefts. Despite himself, Oliver finds these stories amusing. Fagin's strategy is to make Oliver feel so starved for companionship that he'll comply with any of his demands.

chapter 19

Sikes decides to burglarize a home and requires a young boy to aid him. He is offered Oliver by Fagin. Sikes informs Oliver he will murder him if he shows any resistance or fear during the heist. The task of moving Oliver to the location is assigned to Nancy by Sikes. Fagin keeps an eye on Nancy, looking for any signs of reluctance. Even though she previously expressed her concern about trapping Oliver in a criminal lifestyle, she doesn't reveal any further reservations.

chapter 20

Fagin tells Oliver he'll be going to Sikes's place that evening, handing him a book filled with horrifying stories about notorious criminals and killers. As Oliver reads, he's filled with terror. When Nancy comes to escort him, he thinks about crying out for help, but Nancy, reading his thoughts from his expression, cautions him against it, warning of severe consequences. They get to Sikes's place where Sikes shows Oliver a gun, threatening to shoot him if he stirs trouble. They plan to leave for their task at dawn.

chapter 21

Sikes escorts Oliver on an extensive trip to Shepperton, reaching their destination under the cover of nightfall.

chapter 22

Sikes takes Oliver to a dilapidated building where his criminal associates, Toby Crackit and Barney, are present. They embark on their journey around 1:30 AM and reach the intended house, scaling its wall. At this point, Oliver understands he is being forced into thievery, which terrifies him. He pleads with Sikes to release him, but the latter threatens to shoot. Crackit intervenes, pointing out that a gunshot would attract notice. Crackit silences Oliver by covering his mouth while Sikes works on opening a small window. He then orders Oliver to slip through the window, unlock the door for them, and all the while reminding him of the danger of being shot. Oliver decides to alert the family instead. As Sikes lowers him through the window, the house's occupants wake up and Oliver gets shot in the arm. Sikes yanks Oliver back, and he escapes with Crackit, leaving the injured Oliver behind.

chapter 23

Mr. Bumble pays a visit to Mrs. Corney, a widow running the local workhouse, bringing her some wine. In return, she provides him with tea. Gradually, Mr. Bumble edges his chair towards Mrs. Corney and plants a kiss on her lips. Their moment is interrupted when an elderly pauper woman disturts them with news that Old Sally, a woman in Mrs. Corney's care, is nearing death and urgently needs to speak with Mrs. Corney. Annoyed, Mrs. Corney departs, leaving Mr. Bumble alone in her room. In her absence, Mr. Bumble meticulously assesses and catalogs "an exact inventory of the furniture."

chapter 24

Mrs. Corney walks into Old Sally's room. The woman is on her deathbed, wakes up, and requests that her roommates leave. She confesses to Mrs. Corney about a past incident where she stole from a woman she was taking care of. This woman, found pregnant and alone on the streets, gave birth under Sally's care. The woman handed over a gold locket and mentioned it could help locate individuals who would look after her baby, named Oliver. After this revelation, Sally passes away. Mrs. Corney departs from the room, telling the nurses who cared for Sally that the dying woman had no significant revelations to share in the end.

chapter 25

Crackit makes his way to Fagin's place. Fagin, having read the papers, is already aware that the heist was unsuccessful. Crackit breaks the news to Fagin about Oliver getting shot and states that the whole neighborhood began to pursue them. He admits that he and Sikes made a run for it, leaving Oliver behind in a trench.

chapter 26

Fagin hurriedly enters a tavern named the Three Cripples, searching for Monks. When he can't find him, he races off to Sikes' home. There, he encounters Nancy, who's heavily intoxicated and reveals Sikes is in hiding. Upon hearing about Oliver's predicament from Fagin, Nancy tearfully wishes for the boy's death, reasoning that it's better than living under Fagin's cruel rule. Fagin counters that Oliver is of great financial value to him. He goes back home and finds Monks waiting. Monks questions Fagin's decision to involve Oliver in such dangerous work instead of just pickpocketing. It's evident Monks has some stake in Oliver's fate. He admits to looking for Oliver and spotting him on the day of his arrest. Fagin points out that Monks is eager to transform Oliver into a seasoned criminal. When Monks thinks he sees a woman's shadow, they halt their conversation and left Fagin's residence.

chapter 27

A frazzled Mrs. Corney retreats to her room where she and Mr. Bumble enjoy some fortified peppermint. Their conversation turns flirtatious, leading to a kiss. Bumble reveals that the workhouse master's health is deteriorating and insinuates he could be his successor and wed Mrs. Corney. She blushes, agreeing to this proposition. Bumble then sets off to notify Sowerberry of Old Sally's demise. En route, he stumbles upon Charlotte providing Noah Claypole with oysters. Upon hearing Noah's request for a kiss from Charlotte, Bumble admonishes them for their indecent behavior.

chapter 28

The evening following the botched burglary, a delirious Oliver wakes up. He shakily moves towards the same house Sikes intended him to break into. Inside, servants Mr. Giles and Mr. Brittles enthrall their colleagues with tales of the previous night's happenings, painting themselves as brave saviors. Oliver's weak knock terrifies them all. It's Brittles who finally opens the door to discover Oliver prostrate on the porch. They cry out that he's one of the robbers and swiftly pull him inside. The rich house owner's niece enquires from upstairs about the condition of the unfortunate lad. She orders Brittles to get a constable and a doctor, while Giles tenderly takes Oliver upstairs.

chapter 29

Mrs. Maylie, the elderly hostess where Oliver was injured, is described as a kind, old-fashioned lady. Her niece, Miss Rose, is a stunning 17-year-old. Their unconventional local surgeon, Mr. Losberne, comes over, surprised that none of the women are terrified after a break-in. He spends considerable time tending to Oliver. Afterwards, he queries whether they've seen the intruder. Given that Giles has been praised for his courage, he hasn't revealed that the intruder he shot was a young boy. Consequently, the women head with the surgeon to observe the offender for the first time.

chapter 30

Upon Oliver's arrival, Miss Rose voices her disbelief that he could be a thief unless manipulated by older, malicious individuals. She pleads with her aunt not to send the boy to jail. Despite this, Mrs. Maylie insists on doing so. They hold off until Oliver wakes up to ascertain his character. When he shares his personal story, it moves them to tears. Mr. Losberne quickly queries Giles and Brittles if they can confidently identify Oliver before the constable as the boy from the previous night's break-in. At the same time, police officers from London, alerted by Giles and Brittles earlier in the day, turn up to evaluate the circumstances.

chapter 31

Duff and Blathers, the law enforcers, investigate the site of the crime as the doctor and the ladies devise a strategy to hide Oliver's involvement. The enforcers deduce that two adults and a lad took part, based on the footprints and the window's dimensions. Mr. Losberne convinces them that Giles had wrongly identified Oliver as the culprit, explaining his injuries as an unfortunate result of a spring-gun accident on a nearby property. Giles and Brittles confess their uncertainty about Oliver being the suspect they spotted. After the enforcers leave, the issue is resolved peacefully.

chapter 32

The tranquility of peaceful environments can deeply touch people who are used to chaos and discomfort! Over weeks, Oliver starts to heal. He wants to give something back for the kindness shown to him, but is told to focus on regaining his health. He wishes to share his story with Brownlow and Mrs. Bedwin. Accompanied by Mr. Losberne, he travels to London, only to find, to his dismay, that Brownlow, Mrs. Bedwin, and Mr. Grimwig have relocated to the West Indies. Consequently, Mrs. Maylie and Miss Rose bring him to the countryside. In the serene countryside setting, Oliver's wellbeing significantly betters, along with his literacy. The bond between him and the women strengthens during their rural sojourn.

chapter 33

Suddenly, Rose becomes severely sick. Mrs. Maylie dispatches Oliver to send a letter, seeking Losberne's aid. On his way back, Oliver bumps into a tall cloaked figure who curses at him, questions his presence, and then collapses, "writhing and foaming." Before returning home, Oliver arranges aid for the collapsed man and then dismisses the event from his mind. Rose's health worsens quickly. Upon examining her, Losberne acknowledges her bleak chances of survival. However, Rose defies the odds and starts showing signs of recovery.

chapter 34

Giles and Mrs. Maylie's son, Harry, come to visit the ailing Rose. Harry is upset his mother didn't inform him about Rose's condition earlier. However, Mrs. Maylie explains she believes Rose requires genuine, enduring love, not the fleeting infatuation of a young lover. Mrs. Maylie advises Harry to think about societal views when contemplating his wish to wed Rose out of love, mentioning a "stain" on Rose's reputation. Despite Rose's innocence, public sentiment might unjustly judge her based on her parents' misdeeds. Mrs. Maylie implies this could hinder Harry's political aspirations, including his intention to run for Parliament, which might eventually erode his love for Rose. She suggests he must choose between his materialistic desires and his love for Rose. In the long term, however, Mrs. Maylie feels society's disapproval is so strong, it could overwhelm love. Yet, Harry maintains that his love for Rose is steadfast and enduring. Meanwhile, as Rose recovers, Oliver and Harry pick flowers for her room. At one point, while Oliver is reading by a window, he falls asleep and has a terrifying dream. He sees Fagin and an unidentified man pointing and whispering about him. Fagin exclaims, "It is he, sure enough!" Upon waking, Oliver spots Fagin and the mysterious man from the post office incident looking in through the window. He calls for assistance as they quickly vanish.

chapter 35

Harry and Giles hasten to assist Oliver. Upon learning about Fagin and his acquaintance, they scour the surrounding areas without finding any signs of them. They disseminate a description of Fagin, but it doesn't lead them anywhere. Harry confesses his feelings for Rose. She reciprocates his affection, yet declines his proposal due to her lower social standing. She doesn't want to obstruct his future. Harry reveals his intention to propose one last time, promising not to bring it up again if she rejects him.

chapter 36

Prior to leaving, Harry requests Oliver to discreetly send him bi-weekly letters, detailing all the actions and conversations of Oliver and the women. Seeing Harry and Losberne off, Rose sheds tears from a window as their carriage disappears from sight.

chapter 37

Mr. Bumble has wed Mrs. Corney, taking over the workhouse. He mourns the loss of his beadle job and his single life. After arguing with his wife, he seeks solace in a pub. A shadowy figure recognizes him as the ex-beadle and proposes payment for details about Old Sally, who was present at Oliver’s birth. Mr. Bumble reveals Old Sally's death, but shares that he knows someone who conversed with her before she passed. The man requests that Mr. Bumble arrange a meeting with this woman the next night, introducing himself as Monks.

chapter 38

In the midst of a violent storm, Mr. and Mrs. Bumble venture into a rundown neighborhood to meet with Monks in a dilapidated building. Mr. Bumble trembles with anxiety while Mrs. Bumble calmly negotiates a deal with Monks, agreeing on a payment of twenty-five pounds for her information. She unveils how Old Sally stole from Oliver's mother, revealing a tattered pawnbroker's receipt she found clutched in Old Sally’s lifeless hands. This receipt led her to a golden locket, which she promptly hands over to Monks. On opening it, Monks discovers a wedding ring and two strands of hair. The name “Agnes'' is inscribed on the ring, leaving a space for the last name. Monks then attaches the locket to a heavy object and submerges it in the river.

chapter 39

Bill Sikes is sick with fever, and despite his gruff demeanor, Nancy dutifully takes care of him. Fagin and his accomplices bring provisions, prompting Sikes to request money from Fagin. Nancy accompanies Fagin to his hideout for the money, but Monks interrupts them. He pulls Fagin into a private chat, which Nancy listens in on secretly. However, the specifics of their discussion remain undisclosed. When Monks leaves, Nancy receives the money from Fagin. Disturbed by their conversation, she makes a quick exit from Sike's place but eventually returns to hand over the money. It's only after a few days that Sikes senses her unease. He insists that she sits next to him but falls asleep soon after, giving Nancy the chance to rush off to an upscale hotel. She implores the staff to let her meet Miss Maylie, who is a guest there, and despite their disdain, they escort her to Miss Maylie's room.

chapter 40

Nancy admits to Rose that she is responsible for Oliver's abduction during his task for Mr. Brownlow. She shares that she overheard Monks revealing to Fagin that he's Oliver's sibling. Monks wishes to keep Oliver's identity a secret so he can lay claim to the entire family fortune. He would not hesitate to murder Oliver if it wouldn't put him in danger. Monks has also made a deal with Fagin to compensate him if Oliver gets caught again. Rose attempts to assist Nancy in escaping her criminal lifestyle, but Nancy declines as she is emotionally tied to Sikes despite his cruel nature. She also turns down Rose's financial aid. Before departing, Nancy tells Rose that if additional evidence is required, she can be found on London Bridge every Sunday night between eleven and twelve.

chapter 41

Soon after Nancy's encounter with Rose, Oliver reveals to Rose that he ran into Mr. Brownlow. Having discovered Brownlow's whereabouts, Rose hastily takes Oliver to him. They find Mr. Grimwig at Brownlow's when they get there. Rose informs Brownlow that Oliver wishes to express his gratitude. When they are by themselves, Rose shares Nancy's tale with Brownlow. Oliver is then introduced to Brownlow and Mrs. Bedwin, leading to a joyous reunion. The details of Nancy's narrative are then conveyed to Mrs. Maylie and Losberne by Brownlow and Rose. A request to include Grimwig in their dealings arises from Brownlow, with Losberne adding that Harry should be involved too. They decide to keep Oliver in the dark about the proceedings and arrange to meet Nancy on the following Sunday at London Bridge.

chapter 42

Noah Claypole and Charlotte abscond to London, having stolen from Mr. Sowerberry. They find themselves at an inn known as the Three Cripples, running into Fagin and Barney. Fagin ropes Noah into his criminal group, tasking him with stealing from other children.

chapter 43

Noah encounters Fagin in his residence. The Artful Dodger is in police custody for an attempted theft. Noah's initial task is to observe the Dodger's court hearing at the station. Despite his humor throughout, the Dodger is found guilty and given a sentence of deportation. Noah promptly returns to inform Fagin.

chapter 44

Fagin drops by Sikes' when Nancy is attempting to exit for London Bridge at 11pm on Sunday. Sikes pulls her in a different room, holding her back for sixty minutes. Post his exit, Fagin suggests Nancy to accompany him downstairs, whispering a proposal to aid her escape from the ruthless Sikes. Fagin conceives a notion that Nancy yearns to rendezvous with her new lover that night. His plan is to coax her to assassinate Sikes, and recruit her new suitor into his circle, thereby strengthening his hold over her. He intends to keep tabs on her to uncover the identity of this new romantic interest, aiming to manipulate her with this knowledge.

chapter 45

Fagin proposes to Noah a deal of one pound to shadow Nancy. On the subsequent Sunday, with Sikes out of the picture, he brings Noah to Sikes's dwelling. Nancy departs the living area at the stroke of eleven, and Noah trails behind, ensuring to keep a respectable gap.

chapter 46

Nancy brings Mr. Brownlow and Rose to a hidden location from London Bridge. Noah overhears Nancy pleading with them to keep her companions safe despite her decision to assist Oliver. They concur, and Nancy informs them about the potential encounter with Monks at the tavern. Their objective is to confront Monks to reveal Oliver’s truth. Mr. Brownlow is shocked by Nancy’s depiction of Monks, indicating he might know him. Brownlow implores Nancy to take their assistance, but she insists she's bound to her current situation. Afterwards, Brownlow and Rose leave. Overcome with emotion, Nancy weeps profusely before returning home. Noah rushes to Fagin’s place.

chapter 47

Sikes brings pilfered items to Fagin one evening. While there, he hears from Fagin and Noah about Nancy's journey. Fagin withholds the fact that Nancy pleaded for the safety of her comrades. Enraged, Sikes dashes back to his abode and brutally murders Nancy as she pleads for her life.

chapter 48

Feeling paranoid, Sikes departs from London, reading suspicion into every glance. He halts at a rural tavern for a meal where a peddler, noticing a bloodstain on Sikes's hat, snatches it to flaunt his stain removal product. Alarmed, Sikes takes off from the tavern. Eavesdropping on a conversation regarding the murder at the postal service, he is tormented by the memory of Nancy's lifeless gaze. When a nearby barn goes up in flames, Sikes assists in extinguishing the blaze. He resolves to head back to London for refuge. Fearing his dog, Bull’s-eye, might betray his identity, he attempts to kill it by drowning, but the animal manages to break free.

chapter 49

Monks, actually named Edward Leeford, has been seized by Mr. Brownlow and taken to his house. Brownlow was a companion of Edward's father, Mr. Leeford. Young Mr. Leeford had been forced into a marriage with a rich older woman by his family, but they eventually separated. Edward and his mother moved to Paris, while Mr. Leeford fell in love with Agnes Fleming, an ex-naval officer's daughter who bore his child, Oliver. The family member who gained the most from Mr. Leeford's forced marriage regretted the arrangement and left Mr. Leeford a significant inheritance. Prior to traveling to Rome to claim his new wealth, Mr. Leeford entrusted a portrait of Agnes to Brownlow. Hearing of the inheritance, Mr. Leeford's wife and son journeyed to meet him in Rome. Tragically, Mr. Leeford fell sick and passed away in Rome. Brownlow reveals his knowledge that Edward's mother destroyed Mr. Leeford's will, which resulted in the newly-acquired fortune transferring to Edward and his mother. Following the death of his mother, Edward relocated to the West Indies, living off the unethically obtained wealth. Brownlow, recognizing Oliver's striking resemblance to Agnes in the portrait, traveled there to seek Edward after Oliver's disappearance. In the meantime, the hunt for Sikes is still ongoing.

chapter 50

Toby Crackit and Tom Chitling escape to a grimy island following the capture of Fagin and Noah. Sikes's dog suddenly appears at their hideout, followed soon after by Sikes himself. Charley Bates storms in and confronts the killer, urging the others to join him. A search party, accompanied by a furious crowd, shows up clamoring for justice. Sikes, in a bid to flee, climbs the roof equipped with a rope intending to descend amidst the chaos. However, he stumbles, imagining he sees Nancy’s eyes, resulting in the rope wrapping around his neck. He falls, inadvertently hanging himself, and meets a grisly end.

chapter 51

Escorted by Oliver and his companions, Monks travels to their birthplace to meet Mr. Grimwig. Monks admits to discovering and destroying a letter and will following his father's demise. The letter, addressed to Agnes Fleming's mother, revealed Leeford's confession of their illicit relationship. The will outlined that if the illegitimate child was a girl, she would inherit everything without conditions. A boy could only inherit under the same circumstances if he stayed on the right side of the law. Otherwise, the wealth would go to Monks and his mother. Upon discovering his daughter's scandalous relationship with a married man, Agnes's father deserted his home, and altered their family name. Agnes absconded to spare her family the disgrace of her pregnancy, leading to her father's death from heartbreak. His other young daughter was looked after by a poor couple who died shortly. The little girl, Rose, was adopted by Mrs. Maylie, who raised her as her own niece. Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Bumble admit to their role in hiding Oliver's real background. Mr. Brownlow sees to it that they never again hold a public position. Harry relinquishes his political dreams to live modestly as a clergyman. Rose, realizing she's no longer an obstacle to Harry's dreams, accepts his marriage proposal.

chapter 52

Fagin, after being condemned to death for his numerous offenses, spends his final, bleak night in a prison cell. His company in these somber hours includes Brownlow and Oliver, who seek information about documents that confirm Oliver's identity. These papers were previously given to Fagin by Monks for safekeeping.

chapter 53

Noah gets off the hook as he presents evidence against Fagin. Charley chooses the path of righteousness, becoming a prosperous cattle feeder. Brownlow manages the division of Monks’s estate equally between Monks and Oliver. Monks relocates to America, where he wastes his part of the inheritance, leading a disgraceful life that ends up in jail, where he passes away. Brownlow officially takes Oliver under his wing. Brownlow, Losberne, and Grimwig decide to stay close to the country church where Harry serves.

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