Oliver Twist · Chapter
XIII: Some New Acquaintances Are Introduced to the Intelligent Reader, Connected with Whom Various Pleasant Matters Are Related, Appertaining to This History explained
Fagin anxiously interrogates the Dodger and Charley Bates about Oliver's whereabouts after the pickpocketing incident, learning that Oliver has been taken by Mr.
What happens
Fagin anxiously interrogates the Dodger and Charley Bates about Oliver's whereabouts after the pickpocketing incident, learning that Oliver has been taken by Mr. Brownlow. Bill Sikes arrives and joins the discussion. Nancy is persuaded to go to the police office pretending to be Oliver's sister to find out where he has been taken. She successfully obtains the information that Oliver was taken ill and discharged, and that Mr. Brownlow has taken him to his residence in Pentonville. Fagin then dispatches his gang to locate Oliver.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Punishment
The chapter focuses on the criminal gang's efforts to recapture Oliver and the threat of punishment if he reveals their activities, highlighting the constant tension between crime and the law.
Innocence and Corruption
Oliver's innocence is contrasted with the corrupt schemes of Fagin and Sikes, who seek to drag him back into a life of crime.
Characters to notice
- Fagin
Fagin is agitated and threatening when he learns Oliver has been taken by the authorities; he dispatches his gang to find Oliver and plans to silence him if he reveals their secrets.
- The Artful Dodger
The Dodger is confronted by Fagin and reveals that the police have captured Oliver; he defends himself with a toasting fork before being calmed.
- Charley Bates
Charley Bates is present during Fagin's interrogation and reacts with a loud roar when he fears being throttled.
- Bill Sikes
Sikes enters the scene, berates Fagin, and later pressures Nancy into undertaking the mission to find Oliver; he shows his violent nature by kicking his dog.
- Nancy
Nancy initially resists but is ultimately persuaded by Sikes and Fagin to go to the police office pretending to be Oliver's sister; she successfully obtains information about Oliver's whereabouts.
Key passages
““Where’s Oliver?” said the Jew, rising with a menacing look. “Where’s the boy?””
Fagin stood up threateningly and demanded to know Oliver's whereabouts.
Fagin's immediate and aggressive reaction shows his desperation to control Oliver.
““We must know where he is, my dears; he must be found,” said the Jew, greatly excited.”
Fagin, highly agitated, insisted that they must locate Oliver.
Fagin's urgency underscores the threat Oliver's freedom poses to the gang.
““She’ll go, Fagin,” said Sikes. “No, she won’t, Fagin,” said Nancy. “Yes, she will, Fagin,” said Sikes. And Mr. Sikes was right.”
Sikes insisted Nancy would go on the errand, and despite her initial refusal, he was correct.
This exchange highlights Sikes's coercive power over Nancy and the gang's manipulation.