# Noah Claypole Is Employed by Fagin on a Secret Mission explained — Oliver Twist

> Chapter companion for Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Fagin employs Noah Claypole to spy on Nancy, instructing him to follow her and report on her movements and contacts. After several nights of waiting, Fagin leads Noah to a public-house where he identifies Nancy through a window. Noah then follows her into the night.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> “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._

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