Bill Sikes represents the ultimate outcome of a brutalizing existence. He has almost completely lost any sign of human sensitivity or tenderness. Totally lacking in any kind of humor, he is openly scornful of anything resembling ethical or moral principles. Except for his controlling relationship with Nancy, Sikes has little […]
Read more Character Analysis SikesCharacter Analysis Fagin
Fagin, the mastermind among the criminals, is as ugly in appearance as he is repulsive in disposition, but he is not a one-dimensional figure. In Fagin, Dickens has attempted to portray a character who displays some of the complexities of normal human nature. When incensed, the old man may give […]
Read more Character Analysis FaginCharacter Analysis Monks
Monks is a dark, sinister figure who lurks menacingly in the background during much of the novel, a disaster waiting to happen. He sometimes appears without warning or identification. He is able to exercise much control over Fagin through his power to exploit the wily old thief’s avarice. In any […]
Read more Character Analysis MonksCharacter Analysis Oliver Twist
Oliver has few qualifications to have a novel named after him. He lacks the qualities and abilities ordinarily expected in a protagonist, whose acts and decisions have at least some influence on the course of events. Instead of being an active participant in the shaping of his own destiny, Oliver […]
Read more Character Analysis Oliver TwistSummary and Analysis Chapter 53
Summary Within three months, Rose Fleming and Harry Maylie are married in the bridegroom’s church. They immediately occupy their country parsonage, and Mrs. Maylie comes to live with them. The property remaining in Monks’s possession would, if divided equally, yield three thousand pounds a year for each share. Although Oliver […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 53Summary and Analysis Chapter 52
Summary The courtroom is packed with people, “a firmament, all bright with gleaming eyes” — and every one fixed on Fagin. As the judge delivers his charge to the jury, the accused searches their faces in vain for signs of hope. Looking about at the spectators, he discerns nothing but […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 52Summary and Analysis Chapter 51
Summary Two days later, a carriage is traveling toward Oliver’s birthplace. Oliver is riding in the vehicle with Mrs. Maylie, Rose, Mr. Losberne, and Mrs. Bedwin. Mr. Brownlow is following with another person in a post-chaise. The results of Brownlow’s activities have been revealed to Oliver and the ladies, but […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 51Summary and Analysis Chapter 50
Summary On the south side of the Thames, in the grungiest district on the river, there is an inlet with an island — Jacob’s Island. At high tide, Jacob’s Island is surrounded by the muddy water of Folly Ditch. On the island are crumbling warehouses and abandoned dwellings. The whole […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 50Summary and Analysis Chapter 49
Summary At twilight, Mr. Brownlow gets out of a coach at his door. Two husky men with him usher a fourth passenger into the house. The reluctant member of the group is Monks. At the door of a back room, Monks balks and Brownlow delivers an ultimatum. So far, Monks […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 49Summary and Analysis Chapters 47-48
Summary It is two hours before daybreak, and Noah is sleeping off his earlier activities. Fagin sits up, seething with diabolical rage at what he has learned. Sikes comes in and offers the loot from his past night’s work. Even he is frightened by Fagin’s maniacal appearance. When he is […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 47-48