# Wherein Is Shown How the Artful Dodger Got Into Trouble explained — Oliver Twist

> Chapter companion for Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Noah Claypole, now going by Morris Bolter, moves into Fagin's den. Fagin explains his philosophy of mutual self-interest to bind the gang together. He reveals that the Artful Dodger has been arrested for pickpocketing and sends Noah, disguised as a country bumpkin, to observe the trial. At Bow Street, the Dodger puts on a defiant, theatrical performance in the dock, asserting his rights and mocking the proceedings. Noah returns to report the Dodger's bravado to Fagin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Punishment

The Dodger's arrest and trial highlight the criminal justice system's treatment of young offenders, blending farce with the threat of the gallows.

### Class and Hypocrisy

Fagin's 'number one' philosophy exposes the selfishness underlying the criminal underworld, while the Dodger's mockery of the court reveals class tensions.

## Character check-ins

### Fagin

Explains his philosophy of 'number one' to Noah, blending truth and fiction to secure loyalty and fear.

### Noah Claypole

Now called Morris Bolter, he moves into Fagin's house and is sent in disguise to observe the Dodger's trial.

### The Artful Dodger

Arrested for pickpocketing, he puts on a defiant and theatrical performance in the dock at Bow Street.

### Charley Bates

Guides Noah to Bow Street and waits for his return to report on the Dodger's trial.

## Key lines

> Every man’s his own friend, my dear... He hasn’t as good a one as himself anywhere.

Fagin tells Noah that a person's best ally is always themselves.

_Fagin's core philosophy of self-interest as the glue of his gang._

> The gallows, my dear, is an ugly finger-post, which points out a very short and sharp turning that has stopped many a bold fellow’s career on the broad highway.

Fagin warns Noah that the gallows is a grim warning that has ended many criminals' lives.

_Fagin uses the threat of execution to bind Noah to him._

> I’m an Englishman, ain’t I? Where are my priwileges?

The Dodger demands his rights as an Englishman in court.

_The Dodger's defiant claim to legal rights, mocking the proceedings._

## Links

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