Oliver Twist · Chapter
An Old Acquaintance of Oliver’s, Exhibiting Decided Marks of Genius, Becomes a Public Character in the Metropolis explained
Noah Claypole and Charlotte, having fled from Mr.
What happens
Noah Claypole and Charlotte, having fled from Mr. Sowerberry after stealing money, arrive in London. Noah, cautious and cunning, leads them to the Three Cripples public house, where they encounter Fagin. Fagin overhears Noah's incriminating remarks, reveals his own criminal profession, and proposes to introduce Noah to a profitable criminal network, demanding a fee of twenty pounds.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Punishment
Noah and Charlotte's theft and flight, and Fagin's recruitment of Noah into a life of crime, highlight the criminal underworld and its consequences.
Class and Hypocrisy
Noah's pretensions to dignity and his manipulation of Charlotte expose the hypocrisy and moral corruption within lower social classes.
Characters to notice
- Noah Claypole
Arrives in London with Charlotte, having stolen money from Sowerberry. Displays cunning and cowardice, and is recruited by Fagin.
- Charlotte
Accompanies Noah, carrying a heavy bundle. She is submissive to Noah and complicit in the theft.
- Fagin
Observes Noah and Charlotte from a hidden vantage point at the Three Cripples. Recruits Noah into his criminal network.
- Barney
The Jewish attendant at the Three Cripples who serves Noah and Charlotte and arranges their lodging.
Key passages
“Come on, can’t yer? What a lazybones yer are, Charlotte.”
Noah impatiently urges Charlotte to walk faster, calling her lazy.
Noah's domineering and impatient attitude toward Charlotte is established early in the chapter.
“Yer took the money from the till, yer know yer did.”
Noah accuses Charlotte of stealing the money from the cash drawer.
This reveals the theft that prompted their flight to London.
“I’m in that way myself, and I like you for it.”
Fagin admits he is also a criminal and approves of Noah's actions.
Fagin's recruitment of Noah is based on their shared criminality.