黄佳的回答：Oliver Twist is an 1838 novel by Charles Dickens. It was originally published as a serial. Like most of Dickens' work, the book is used to call the public's attention to various contemporary social evils, including the workhouse, child labour and the recruitment of children as criminals. The novel is full of sarcasm and dark humour, even as it treats its serious subject, revealing the hypocrisies of the time. It has been the subject of numerous film and television adaptations, and the basis for a highly successful British musical, Oliver!. Plot summary Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. Oliver Twist is born into a life of hardship and misfortune. Orphaned from the onset of his life due to his mother’s death in child-birth and his father’s conspicuous absence, Oliver is meagerly provided for under the terms of the Poor Law. Thus, Oliver spends the first nine years of his life within a branch-workhouse of the one in which he had the misfortune to be born. Along with other juvenile offenders against the poor-laws, Oliver is brought up with little food and few comforts. Around the time of the orphan’s ninth birthday, Mr. Bumble, a parish beadle, removes Oliver from the branch-workhouse and puts him to work in the main facility. Oliver, who toils with very little food, remains in the workhouse for six months. After that period, Oliver breeches regulations by requesting, on behalf of another boy, that he receive another portion of gruel. The board of gentlemen who administer the workhouse are outraged by Oliver’s request, perceiving him as ungrateful. Desiring to get rid of Oliver, the board offers a sum of money to any person wishing to take on the boy as an apprentice. Mr. Sowerberry, an undertaker employed by the parish, eventually takes Oliver into his service. While in the service of the undertaker, Oliver is abused by Noah Claypole, a charity boy and apprentice of Mr. Sowerberry. On one particularly occasion, in an attempt to bait a reaction out of Oliver, Noah insults the orphan’s late mother. Oliver takes great offense to Noah’s words and proceeds to attack the boy. The disagreement between the two is heightened when Mrs. Sowerberry, who dislikes Oliver, is summoned. Following an administration of punishment for attacking Noah, for the charity boy twists the circumstances of the fight to make Oliver seem like an unprovoked murderer, the orphan decides to flee from the undertaker. Leaving during the night, he wanders aimlessly at first. However, he soon sets his destination as London. During his journey to London, Oliver encounters Jack Dawkins, who is also known as the Artful Dodger. Dawkins provides Oliver with a free meal and tells him of a gentleman in London who will aid him in becoming established. Grateful for the assistance he has been given, Oliver follows Dawkins to the gentleman’s residence. Thus, Oliver unwittingly stumbles into the association of a Jewish criminal named Fagin, the gentleman of whom Dawkins spoke. Oliver resides with Fagin and his criminal associates for some time, unaware that of their unlawful occupations. With time, Oliver goes out upon a pick-pocketing expedition with two of Fagin’s underlings: Dawkins and a boy named Charlie Bates. Though he is unaware of the criminal intentions of the other boys until a robbery actual takes place and does not participate, Oliver finds himself accused of stealing. He is eventually freed from accusation and put under the nurturing custody of an old gentleman named Mr. Brownlow, who he was previously thought to have robbed, after falling ill in court. Oliver resides with Mr. Brownlow for a while, living in great happiness as a result of being treated well. His bliss, however, is interrupted when Fagin orchestrates the kidnapping of Oliver back to his haven of thieves. This is done for Fagin fears that Oliver will tell the authories of his criminal operations. After being captured by Fagin and abused for some time, Oliver is again employed in an illegal operation. Bill Sikes, a violent thief who had helped kidnap Oliver away from Mr. Brownlow, uses the boy to break into a house via a small window. The robbery goes wrong, however, and Oliver is shot. After being abandoned by Sikes, a wounded Oliver ends up under the care of the people he had attempted to rob: Rose Maylie and the elderly Mrs. Maylie. Convinced of Oliver’s innocence, Rose Maylie take the boy in and nurses him back to health. Meanwhile, a mysterious man named Monks has found Fagin and is plotting with him to destroy Oliver's reputation. Nancy, fearing their intentions, goes to Rose Maylie and Mr. Brownlow to reveal their plot. She manages to keep her meetings secret until Noah Claypole (he had fallen out with the undertaker and moved to London to seek his fortune) agrees to spy on Nancy and then tells Fagin. Angry at the notion of his plot being foiled, Fagin passes it on to Sikes, twisting the story just enough to make it sound as if Nancy had informed on him. (In actuality, she had shielded Sikes, whom she loves despite his occasional ill-treatment, as much as possible.) Believing that she has betrayed him, Sikes murders Nancy in a fit of rage, and is himself killed when he accidentally hangs himself while being pursued by an angry mob. Monks is forced by Mr. Brownlow (an old friend of Oliver's father) to divulge his secrets and give half of his inheritance to Oliver. Then Monks moves to America, where he quickly spends his money, reverts to crime, and ultimately dies in prison. Fagin is arrested and hanged for his misdeeds. Rose Maylie turns out to be the long-lost sister of Oliver's mother Agnes; she is therefore Oliver's aunt. She marries her long-time sweetheart Harry, and Oliver lives happily with his saviour, Mr. Brownlow. Characters in "Oliver Twist" Oliver – the main protagonist, a boy born in a workhouse Fagin – a Jew who recruits and trains boys for thievery Bill Sikes – a violent thief The Artful Dodger aka Jack Dawkins – one of Fagin's boy pickpockets Charley Bates; another of Fagin's boy pickpockets Nancy – barmaid and Bill's girl Betsy – a thief of Fagin's and friend of Nancy Noah Claypole – apprentice to Mr Sowerberry Mr. Brownlow Monks, aka Edward Leeford – Oliver's half-brother Rose Maylie Mr. Bumble – the parish Beadle Mr. Sowerberry – an Undertaker who takes Oliver into his service Mrs. Sowerberry Charlotte – servant to Mrs Sowerberry Gamfield – a vicious chimney-sweep Mrs Bedwin – housekeeper to Mr Brownlow Mr Grimwig – an old friend of Mr Brownlow's Barney – a villainous friend of Fagin's Major themes The novel is characterized by the use of various motifs. Charity and love are motifs because even though Oliver is treated horribly by most people, he is shown love by a few good people – Mr. Brownlow, Mrs. Maylie, and even Nancy. Greed and corruption are also motifs because of how people take advantage of Oliver. He is taken advantage of by Mr. Bumble at the workhouse and the thieves. Mr. Fagin tries to control Oliver, to use him for his own wealth. Monks tries to steal his identity and his inheritance. Spoilers end here. 黄博文的回答：Oliver Twist is an 1838 novel by Charles Dickens. It was originally published as a serial. Like most of Dickens' work, the book is used to call the public's attention to various contemporary social evils, including the workhouse, child labour and the recruitment of children as criminals. The novel is full of sarcasm and dark humour, even as it treats its serious subject, revealing the hypocrisies of the time. It has been the subject of numerous film and television adaptations, and the basis for a highly successful British musical, Oliver!. Plot summary Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow. Oliver Twist is born into a life of hardship and misfortune. Orphaned from the onset of his life due to his mother’s death in child-birth and his father’s conspicuous absence, Oliver is meagerly provided for under the terms of the Poor Law. Thus, Oliver spends the first nine years of his life within a branch-workhouse of the one in which he had the misfortune to be born. Along with other juvenile offenders against the poor-laws, Oliver is brought up with little food and few comforts. Around the time of the orphan’s ninth birthday, Mr. Bumble, a parish beadle, removes Oliver from the branch-workhouse and puts him to work in the main facility. Oliver, who toils with very little food, remains in the workhouse for six months. After that period, Oliver breeches regulations by requesting, on behalf of another boy, that he receive another portion of gruel. The board of gentlemen who administer the workhouse are outraged by Oliver’s request, perceiving him as ungrateful. Desiring to get rid of Oliver, the board offers a sum of money to any person wishing to take on the boy as an apprentice. Mr. Sowerberry, an undertaker employed by the parish, eventually takes Oliver into his service. While in the service of the undertaker, Oliver is abused by Noah Claypole, a charity boy and apprentice of Mr. Sowerberry. On one particularly occasion, in an attempt to bait a reaction out of Oliver, Noah insults the orphan’s late mother. Oliver takes great offense to Noah’s words and proceeds to attack the boy. The disagreement between the two is heightened when Mrs. Sowerberry, who dislikes Oliver, is summoned. Following an administration of punishment for attacking Noah, for the charity boy twists the circumstances of the fight to make Oliver seem like an unprovoked murderer, the orphan decides to flee from the undertaker. Leaving during the night, he wanders aimlessly at first. However, he soon sets his destination as London. During his journey to London, Oliver encounters Jack Dawkins, who is also known as the Artful Dodger. Dawkins provides Oliver with a free meal and tells him of a gentleman in London who will aid him in becoming established. Grateful for the assistance he has been given, Oliver follows Dawkins to the gentleman’s residence. Thus, Oliver unwittingly stumbles into the association of a Jewish criminal named Fagin, the gentleman of whom Dawkins spoke. Oliver resides with Fagin and his criminal associates for some time, unaware that of their unlawful occupations. With time, Oliver goes out upon a pick-pocketing expedition with two of Fagin’s underlings: Dawkins and a boy named Charlie Bates. Though he is unaware of the criminal intentions of the other boys until a robbery actual takes place and does not participate, Oliver finds himself accused of stealing. He is eventually freed from accusation and put under the nurturing custody of an old gentleman named Mr. Brownlow, who he was previously thought to have robbed, after falling ill in court. Oliver resides with Mr. Brownlow for a while, living in great happiness as a result of being treated well. His bliss, however, is interrupted when Fagin orchestrates the kidnapping of Oliver back to his haven of thieves. This is done for Fagin fears that Oliver will tell the authories of his criminal operations. After being captured by Fagin and abused for some time, Oliver is again employed in an illegal operation. Bill Sikes, a violent thief who had helped kidnap Oliver away from Mr. Brownlow, uses the boy to break into a house via a small window. The robbery goes wrong, however, and Oliver is shot. After being abandoned by Sikes, a wounded Oliver ends up under the care of the people he had attempted to rob: Rose Maylie and the elderly Mrs. Maylie. Convinced of Oliver’s innocence, Rose Maylie take the boy in and nurses him back to health. Meanwhile, a mysterious man named Monks has found Fagin and is plotting with him to destroy Oliver's reputation. Nancy, fearing their intentions, goes to Rose Maylie and Mr. Brownlow to reveal their plot. She manages to keep her meetings secret until Noah Claypole (he had fallen out with the undertaker and moved to London to seek his fortune) agrees to spy on Nancy and then tells Fagin. Angry at the notion of his plot being foiled, Fagin passes it on to Sikes, twisting the story just enough to make it sound as if Nancy had informed on him. (In actuality, she had shielded Sikes, whom she loves despite his occasional ill-treatment, as much as possible.) Believing that she has betrayed him, Sikes murders Nancy in a fit of rage, and is himself killed when he accidentally hangs himself while being pursued by an angry mob. Monks is forced by Mr. Brownlow (an old friend of Oliver's father) to divulge his secrets and give half of his inheritance to Oliver. Then Monks moves to America, where he quickly spends his money, reverts to crime, and ultimately dies in prison. Fagin is arrested and hanged for his misdeeds. Rose Maylie turns out to be the long-lost sister of Oliver's mother Agnes; she is therefore Oliver's aunt. She marries her long-time sweetheart Harry, and Oliver lives happily with his saviour, Mr. Brownlow. Characters in "Oliver Twist" Oliver – the main protagonist, a boy born in a workhouse Fagin – a Jew who recruits and trains boys for thievery Bill Sikes – a violent thief The Artful Dodger aka Jack Dawkins – one of Fagin's boy pickpockets Charley Bates; another of Fagin's boy pickpockets Nancy – barmaid and Bill's girl Betsy – a thief of Fagin's and friend of Nancy Noah Claypole – apprentice to Mr Sowerberry Mr. Brownlow Monks, aka Edward Leeford – Oliver's half-brother Rose Maylie Mr. Bumble – the parish Beadle Mr. Sowerberry – an Undertaker who takes Oliver into his service Mrs. Sowerberry Charlotte – servant to Mrs Sowerberry Gamfield – a vicious chimney-sweep Mrs Bedwin – housekeeper to Mr Brownlow Mr Grimwig – an old friend of Mr Brownlow's Barney – a villainous friend of Fagin's Major themes The novel is characterized by the use of various motifs. Charity and love are motifs because even though Oliver is treated horribly by most people, he is shown love by a few good people – Mr. Brownlow, Mrs. Maylie, and even Nancy. Greed and corruption are also motifs because of how people take advantage of Oliver. He is taken advantage of by Mr. Bumble at the workhouse and the thieves. Mr. Fagin tries to control Oliver, to use him for his own wealth. Monks tries to steal his identity and his inheritance. Spoilers end here. 鲜花再美ω终会败的回答：《雾都孤儿》（英语：oliver twist），是英国作家狄更斯于1838年出版的写实小说。以雾都伦敦为背景，讲述了一个孤儿悲惨的身世及遭遇，主人公奥立弗在孤儿院长大，经历学徒生涯，艰苦逃难，误入贼窝，又被迫与狠毒的凶徒为伍，历尽无数辛酸，最后在善良人的帮助下，查明身世并获得了幸福。如同狄更斯的其他小说，本书揭露许多当时的社会问题，如救济院、童工、以及帮派吸收青少年参与犯罪等。本书曾多次改编为电影、电视及舞台剧。 小说的主人公奥利弗·特威斯特，是一名生在济贫院的孤儿，忍饥挨饿，备受欺凌，由于不堪棺材店老板娘、教区执事邦布儿等人的虐待而独自逃往伦敦，不幸刚一到达就受骗误入贼窟。窃贼团伙的首领费尽千方百计，企图把奥利弗训练为扒手供他驱使。奥利弗跟随窃贼伙伴“机灵鬼”和贝茨上街时，被误认为他偷了一位叫布朗洛的绅士(恰巧是他父亲生前的好友)的手绢而被警察逮捕。后因书摊老板证明了他的无辜，说明小偷另有其人，他才被释放。由于他当时病重昏迷，且容貌酷似友人生前留下的一副少妇画像，布朗洛收留他在家中治病，得到布朗洛及其女管家比德温太太无微不至的关怀，第一次感受到人间的温暖。窃贼团伙害怕奥利弗会泄露团伙的秘密，在费金指示下，塞克斯和南希费尽心机，趁奥利弗外出替布朗洛归还书摊老板的图书的时候用计使他重新陷入了贼窟。但当费金试图惩罚毒打奥利弗的上时候，南希挺身而出保护了奥利弗。费金用威胁、利诱、灌输等手段企图迫使奥利弗成为一名窃贼，成为费金的摇钱树。一天黑夜，奥利弗在塞克斯的胁迫下参加对一座大宅院的行窃。正当奥利弗准备趁爬进窗户的机会向主人报告时，被管家发现后开枪打伤。窃贼仓惶逃跑时，把奥利弗丢弃在路旁水沟之中。奥利弗在雨雪之中带伤爬行，无意中又回道那家宅院，昏到在门口。好心的主人梅丽夫人及其养女罗斯小姐收留并庇护了他。无巧不成书，这位罗斯小姐正是奥利弗的姨妈，但双方都不知道。在梅丽夫人家，奥利弗真正享受到了人生的温馨和美好。但费金团伙却不能放过奥利弗。有一天一个名叫蒙克斯的人来找费金，这人是奥利弗的同父异母兄长，由于他的不肖，他父亲在遗嘱中将全部遗产给了奥利弗，除非奥利弗和蒙克斯是一样的不肖儿女，遗产才可由蒙克斯继承。为此蒙克斯出高价买通费金，要他使奥利弗变成不可救药的罪犯，以便霸占奥利弗名下的全部遗产，并发泄自己对已去世的父亲的怨恨。正当蒙克斯得意洋洋的谈到他如何和帮布尔夫妇狼狈为奸，毁灭了能证明奥利弗身份的唯一证据的时候，被南希听见。南希见义勇为，同情奥利弗的遭遇，冒生命危险，偷偷找到罗斯小姐，向她报告了这一切。 正当罗斯小姐考虑如何行动时，奥利弗告诉她，他找到了布朗洛先生。罗斯小姐就和布朗洛商议了处理方法。罗斯小姐在布朗洛陪同下再次和南希会面时，布朗洛获知蒙克斯即他的已故好友埃得温。利弗得的不肖儿子，决定亲自找蒙克斯交涉，但他们的谈话被费金派出的密探听见。塞克斯就凶残的杀害了南西。南西之死使费金团伙遭到了灭顶之灾。费金被捕，后上了绞刑架，塞克斯在逃窜中失足被自己的绳子勒死。与此同时，蒙克斯被布朗洛挟持到家中，逼他供出了一切，事情真相大白，奥利弗被布朗洛收为养子，从此结束了他的苦难的童年。为了给蒙克斯自新的机会，把本应全归奥利弗继承的遗产分一半给他。但蒙克斯劣性不改，把家产挥霍殆尽，继续作恶，终被锒铛入狱，死在狱中。邦布尔夫恶有恶报，被革去一切职务，一贫如洗，在他们曾经作威作福的济贫院度过余生。 在这本书中，奥利弗、南希、罗斯小姐都是善良的代表，他们都出生于苦难之中，在黑暗和充满罪恶的世界中成长，但在他们的心中始终保持着一偏纯洁的天地，一颗善良的心，种种磨难并不能使他们堕落或彻底堕落，反而更显示出他们出污泥而不染的光彩夺目的晶莹品质。最后，邪不胜正，正义的力量战胜了邪恶，虽然南希最后遇难，但正是她的死所召唤出来的惊天动地的社会正义力量，正是她在冥冥中的在天之灵，注定了邪恶势力的代表——费金团伙的灭顶之灾。因此在小说中，南希的精神得到了升华，奥利弗则得到了典型意义上的善报。而恶人的代表——费金、蒙克斯、邦布尔、塞克斯无不一一落得个悲惨的下场。 甄向荣的回答：Header Chapter 1 "Treats of the place where Oliver Twist was born, and of the circumstances attending his birth." Chapter 2 "Treats of Oliver Twist's growth, education, and board." Chapter 3 "Relates how Oliver Twist was very near getting a place, which would not have been a sinecure." Chapter 4 "Oliver, being offered another place, makes his first entry into public life." Chapter 5 Oliver mingles with new associates. Going to a funeral for the first time, he forms an unfavourable notion of his master's business. Chapter 6 Oliver, being goaded by the taunts of Noah, rouses into action, and rather astonishes him. Chapter 7 Oliver continues refractory. Chapter 8 Oliver walks to London. He encounters on the road a strange sort of young gentleman. Chapter 9 Containing further particulars concerning the pleasant old gentleman, and his hopeful pupils. Chapter 10 Oliver becomes better acquainted with the characters of his new associates; and purchases experience at a high price, Being a short, but very important chapter, in this history. Chapter 11 Treats of Mr. Fang the Police Magistrate; and furnishes a slight specimen of his mode of administering justice. Chapter 12 In which Oliver is taken better care of than he ever was before. And in which the narrative reverts to the merry old gentleman and his youthful friends. Chapter 13 Some new acquaintances are introduced to the intelligent reader, connected with whom, various pleasant matters are related, appertaining to this history. Chapter 14 Comprising further particulars of Oliver's stay at Mr. Brownlow's, with the remarkable prediction which one Mr. Grimwig uttered concerning him, when he went out on an errand. Chapter 15 Showing how very fond of Oliver Twist, the merry old Jew and Miss Nancy were. Chapter 16 Relates what became of Oliver Twist, after he had been claimed by Nancy." Chapter 17 Oliver's destiny continuing unpropitious, brings a great man to London to injure his reputation." Chapter 18 How Oliver passed his time in the improving society of his reputable friends." Chapter 19 In which a notable plan is discussed and determined on." Chapter 20 Wherein Oliver is delivered over to Mr. William Sikes." Chapter 21 The Expedition. Chapter 22 The Burglary." Chapter 23 Which contains the substance of a pleasant conversation between Mr. Bumble and a lady; and shows that even a beadle may be susceptible on some points." Chapter 24 Treats of a very poor subject. But is a short one, and may be found of importance in this history." Chapter 25 "Wherein this history reverts to Mr. Fagin and Company." Chapter 26 In which a mysterious character appears upon the scene; and many things, inseparable from this history, are done and performed." Chapter 27 Atones for the unpoliteness of a former chapter; which deserted a lady, most unceremoniously." Chapter 28 Looks after Oliver, and proceeds with his adventures." Chapter 29 Has an introductory account of the inmates of the house, to which Oiver resorted." Chapter 30 Relates what Oliver's new visitors thought of him." Chapter 31 Involves a critical position." Chapter 32 Of the happy life Oliver began to lead with his kind friends." Chapter 33 Wherein the happiness of Oliver and his friends, experiences a sudden check." Chapter 34 Contains some introductory particulars relative to a young gentleman who now arrives upon the scene; and a new adventure which happened to Oliver." Chapter 35 Containing the unsatisfactory result of Oliver's adventure; and a conversation of some importance between Harry Maylie and Rose." Chapter 36 Is a very short one, and may appear of no great importance in its place, but it should be read notwithstanding, as a sequel to the last, and a key to one that will follow when its time arrives." Chapter 37 In which the reader may perceive a contrast, not uncommon in matrimonial cases." Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Introduces some respectable characters with whom the reader is already acquainted, and shows how Monks and the Jew laid their worthy heads together." Chapter 40 A strange interview, which is a sequel to the last chapter." Chapter 41 Containing fresh discoveries, and showing that surprises, like misfortunes, seldom come alone." Chapter 42 An old acquaintance of Oliver's, exhibiting decided marks of genius, becomes a public character in the metropolis." Chapter 43 Wherein is shown how the Artful Dodger got into trouble." Chapter 44 The time arrives for Nancy to redeem her pledge to Rose Maylie. She fails." Chapter 45 Noah Claypole is employed by Fagin on a secret mission." Chapter 46 The Appointment kept." Chapter 47 Fatal Consequences." Chapter 48 The Flight of Sikes." Chapter 49 Monks and Mr. Brownlow at length meet. Their conversation, and the intelligence that interrupts it." Chapter 50 The Pursuit and Escape." Chapter 51 Affording an explanation of more mysteries than one, and comprehending a proposal of marriage with no word of settlement or pin-money." Chapter 52 Fagin's last night alive." Chapter 53 And Last. 王志东的回答：Oliver Twist’s mother dies after the birth of her child in a workhouse. The infant’s father is unknown, and the orphan is placed in a private juvenile home. After nine years of mistreatment, the boy is returned to the workhouse for even more abuse. After representing his fellow sufferers in an attempt to get more food, Oliver is punished and is apprenticed to Sowerberry, an undertaker. Noah Claypole, a charity boy working for Oliver’s master, goads Oliver to rebellion, for which Oliver is savagely flogged. Consequently, Oliver runs away and heads for London. Near London, Oliver joins company with John Dawkins, The Artful Dodger, a questionable character who brings the boy to Fagin, the ringleader of a gang of criminals. Instructed in the “art” of picking pockets, Oliver goes out with Charles Bates and the Dodger. His companions pick an old gentleman’s pocket and flee, and Oliver is arrested for their offense. At the police station, the terrified boy is cleared by the testimony of the bookseller who witnessed the theft. Oliver collapses and is taken home by Mr. Brownlow, the victim of the crime. While Oliver recovers at his benefactor’s home, Brownlow is puzzled by the resemblance between Oliver’s features and the portrait of a young woman. Fagin is apprehensive and furious at Oliver’s rescue. Nancy, one of his trusty retainers, is set on the boy’s trail as the gang shifts headquarters. Mr. Grimwig, Brownlow’s friend, has no faith in Oliver, so Oliver is sent on an errand to test his honesty. The boy is recaptured by Nancy and her friend Bill Sikes, a vicious lawbreaker. Oliver is restored to Fagin, who holds him in strict captivity for a while. In the meantime, Bumble, a minor parish official from Oliver’s birthplace, answers Brownlow’s advertisement inquiring about Oliver. Bumble turns Oliver’s benefactor against him by grossly misrepresenting the boy’s history and character. Eager to get Oliver completely in his power by thoroughly involving the child in some crime, Fagin convinces Bill Sikes to use Oliver in a major burglary that is being planned. Sikes takes Oliver westward through the city to a rendezvous near Chertsey with Toby Crackit. At the house that is to be burglarized, Oliver is hoisted through a small window. The occupants are aroused and in the resulting melee, Oliver is shot. The robbers run off with the wounded Oliver but abandon him in a ditch. In the workhouse, Sally, the old pauper who attended Oliver’s mother, is dying. At her urgent request, Mrs. Corney, the matron, sees the old woman alone before she expires. Immediately thereafter Bumble and the matron agree to marry. Fagin is greatly upset when Toby Crackit returns alone. Fagin makes anxious inquiries about Sikes. He then has an ominous meeting with a person called Monks, who is angry with Fagin, who he claims has failed in his obligation to ruin Oliver by tricking him into a lawless life When Oliver regains consciousness in a ditch, he stumbles to the nearest house, which proves to be the site of the attempted burglary. The owner, Mrs. Maylie, takes the boy in and protects him with connivance of her doctor, Mr. Losberne. The boy is taken to a cottage in the country, where Mrs. Maylie’s niece Rose suffers a near-fatal illness. In the town inn yard, Oliver encounters a repulsive stranger who later spies on him with Fagin. Rose rejects the proposal of Mrs. Maylie’s son, Harry, but he does not accept her refusal as final. Monks meets the Bumbles and purchases a locket that Mrs. Bumble redeemed with a pawn ticket that she took away from the dead Sally, who had received the pledge from Oliver’s dying mother. The trinket contains a ring inscribed with the name “Agnes”; Monks drops it into the river. Nancy, who sympathizes with Oliver, nurses Sikes until he regains his “natural” meanness. She drugs the man and slips away to Hyde Park for a secret meeting with Rose Maylie. Nancy tells Miss Maylie everything that she has learned by eavesdropping on Fagin and Monks on two occasions. The two rogues are plotting the destruction of the object of Monks’s inveterate hatred—his brother Oliver. Mr. Brownlow, who has been absent from London, reappears and Rose tells him Nancy’s story. Harry Maylie, Grimwig, and Mr. Losberne are also briefed on what Nancy has learned. Noah Claypole and Charlotte, Sowerberry’s maidservant, hide out in London after she has plundered the undertaker’s till. They are discovered by Fagin, and Noah is employed to visit the police station to bring back information about the Dodger’s indictment as a pickpocket. Because of her suspicious behavior, Fagin then assigns the sneak to spy on her. Nancy has a midnight meeting with Rose and Brownlow on London Bridge. Nancy informs Brownlow how he can corner Monks. Noah hears everything and immediately reports his findings to Fagin. |
