Noah Claypole Is Employed by Fagin on a Secret Mission explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Crime and Punishment

  Fagin orchestrates a secret surveillance operation, highlighting the criminal underworld's methods and the constant threat of betrayal.

• Identity and Secret Origins

  Noah adopts the alias 'Morris Bolter' and engages in covert activities, reflecting the theme of hidden identities and deception.

Characters to notice

• Fagin

  Fagin hires Noah Claypole to spy on Nancy, showing his manipulative and suspicious nature.

• Noah Claypole

  Noah, now calling himself Morris Bolter, eagerly accepts Fagin's offer to spy on a young woman for a pound.

• Nancy

  Nancy is the target of Fagin's surveillance; she is followed by Noah as she leaves the public-house at night.

• Barney

  Barney assists Fagin and Noah by moving a candle to reveal Nancy's face and later directing Noah's pursuit.

Key passages

• ““I want you, Bolter,” said Fagin, leaning over the table, “to do a piece of work for me, my dear, that needs great care and caution.””

  Fagin asks Noah to undertake a task requiring careful attention.

  Fagin reveals his plan to have Noah spy on Nancy.

• ““Not to do anything, but to tell me where she goes, who she sees, and, if possible, what she says; to remember the street, if it is a street, or the house, if it is a house; and to bring me back all the information you can.””

  Fagin instructs Noah to follow the woman and report her movements and conversations.

  Fagin outlines the surveillance mission.

• ““She goes abroad tonight,” said Fagin, “and on the right errand, I’m sure; for she has been alone all day, and the man she is afraid of will not be back much before daybreak. Come with me. Quick!””

  Fagin tells Noah that the woman is going out tonight and urges him to follow immediately.

  Fagin seizes the opportunity to have Noah tail Nancy.