Oliver Twist · Chapter
IX: Containing Further Particulars Concerning the Pleasant Old Gentleman, and His Hopeful Pupils explained
Oliver awakens to find Fagin examining a hidden box of jewelry and watches, muttering about capital punishment and dead men.
What happens
Oliver awakens to find Fagin examining a hidden box of jewelry and watches, muttering about capital punishment and dead men. Fagin catches Oliver watching him and threatens him with a knife before calming down and pretending it was a joke. The Artful Dodger and Charley Bates return with stolen pocketbooks and handkerchiefs, and Fagin begins to train Oliver in picking pockets, starting with a playful demonstration.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Oliver's innocence is contrasted with Fagin's corrupting influence as he is gradually drawn into the world of crime through playful training.
Crime and Punishment
Fagin's discussion of capital punishment and his hidden treasure highlight the criminal underworld and the constant threat of legal consequences.
Class and Hypocrisy
Fagin presents himself as a miserly old man while secretly running a pickpocket ring, exposing the hypocrisy of those who exploit the poor.
Characters to notice
- Oliver Twist
Oliver wakes up in Fagin's den, observes Fagin's secret box, and is introduced to pickpocket training.
- Fagin
Fagin examines his hidden treasure, threatens Oliver when caught, then resumes a playful demeanor and begins teaching Oliver to pick pockets.
- The Artful Dodger
Returns with stolen pocketbooks and joins the breakfast, showing his role in Fagin's gang.
- Charley Bates
Returns with stolen handkerchiefs, laughs at Oliver's naivety, and participates in the pickpocket training.
Key passages
“What a fine thing capital punishment is! Dead men never repent; dead men never bring awkward stories to light. Ah, it's a fine thing for the trade!”
Fagin praises capital punishment because executed criminals cannot confess or betray their accomplices, making it beneficial for his criminal enterprise.
Fagin's cynical view of the death penalty reveals his self-serving and amoral nature.
“You're a clever boy, my dear. I never saw a sharper lad. Here's a shilling for you. If you go on, in this way, you'll be the greatest man of the time.”
Fagin rewards Oliver for successfully mimicking a pickpocket move, encouraging him to continue learning the trade with promises of future success.
Fagin uses praise and small rewards to manipulate Oliver into embracing a life of crime.