# XIX: In Which a Notable Plan Is Discussed and Determined On explained — Oliver Twist

> Chapter companion for Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Fagin visits Bill Sikes and Nancy to plan Oliver's involvement in a burglary. Despite Nancy's earlier interference, she agrees to fetch Oliver from Fagin's den. The plan is set for two nights hence, with Oliver to be placed under Sikes's control. Fagin reflects on corrupting Oliver, while Sikes threatens violence if Oliver proves unreliable.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Corruption

Fagin schemes to corrupt Oliver by forcing him into burglary, believing that once Oliver feels like a thief, he will be 'ours for his life.'

### Crime and Punishment

The planning of a burglary and Sikes's threats of violence underscore the criminal enterprise and the constant risk of punishment.

### Compassion and Redemption

Nancy's earlier interference on Oliver's behalf is referenced, though she now participates in the plot, showing her conflicted nature.

## Character check-ins

### Fagin

Craftily orchestrates the plan to use Oliver in a burglary, manipulating both Nancy and Sikes.

### Bill Sikes

Agrees to take Oliver on the job, brandishing a crowbar and threatening to kill the boy if he causes trouble.

### Nancy

Reluctantly agrees to bring Oliver to Sikes, showing no flinching when Fagin scrutinizes her loyalty.

### Oliver Twist

Asleep in Fagin's den, pale and anxious, unaware of the plot being hatched against him.

### The Artful Dodger

Sitting up impatiently awaiting Fagin's return; reports that Oliver is asleep.

### Toby Crackit

Mentioned as the accomplice with whom Sikes planned the burglary; his testimony is to be required to confirm Sikes's report.

## Key lines

> The worst of these women is, that a very little thing serves to call up some long-forgotten feeling; and, the best of them is, that it never lasts.

Fagin reflects that women are easily stirred by old emotions, but fortunately those feelings quickly fade.

_Fagin's cynical view of Nancy's potential compassion._

> Once let him feel that he is one of us; once fill his mind with the idea that he has been a thief; and he's ours! Ours for his life.

Fagin believes that if Oliver internalizes the identity of a thief, he will be permanently bound to their criminal gang.

_Fagin's strategy to corrupt Oliver's innocence._

> He's the boy for you, my dear. He mayn't be so much up, as any of the others; but that's not what you want, if he's only to open a door for you.

Fagin tells Sikes that Oliver's lack of criminal skill is irrelevant because he only needs to unlock a door.

_Fagin pitches Oliver as the ideal tool for the burglary._

## Links

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