Oliver Twist · Chapter
XLVI: The Appointment Kept explained
Nancy meets with Mr.
What happens
Nancy meets with Mr. Brownlow and Rose Maylie on London Bridge at midnight to provide information about Monks. She describes Monks' appearance and habits, and reveals a distinctive mark on his throat. Mr. Brownlow recognizes the description. Despite their offers to help her escape her life of crime, Nancy refuses, feeling bound to her old associates and unwilling to betray Fagin. Meanwhile, a spy (Noah Claypole in disguise) secretly observes the meeting.
Themes in this chapter
Compassion and Redemption
Mr. Brownlow and Rose Maylie offer Nancy a chance to escape her life of crime and start anew, showing compassion despite her past.
Crime and Punishment
The chapter revolves around the plot to capture Monks and the potential betrayal of Fagin, highlighting the consequences of criminal associations.
Identity and Secret Origins
Nancy's description of Monks and the recognition of the mark on his throat hint at hidden connections and Oliver's mysterious past.
Characters to notice
- Nancy
Meets Mr. Brownlow and Rose Maylie on London Bridge to provide information about Monks, but refuses their offer of escape.
- Mr. Brownlow
Accompanies Rose Maylie to the meeting, takes notes on Nancy's description of Monks, and recognizes the mark on Monks' throat.
- Rose Maylie
Accompanies Mr. Brownlow to the meeting and pledges her word to Nancy that Fagin will not be prosecuted without her consent.
- Monks
Described by Nancy in detail: tall, dark, with a lurking walk, sunken eyes, and a broad red mark on his throat.
- Noah Claypole
Disguised as a countryman, secretly follows Nancy and spies on her meeting with Mr. Brownlow and Rose Maylie.
- Fagin
Mentioned as the man Nancy refuses to betray despite his evil influence over her.
Key passages
“I am chained to my old life. I loathe and hate it now, but I cannot leave it.”
Nancy feels trapped in her criminal existence and cannot break free, despite her hatred for it.
Nancy's refusal of Mr. Brownlow's offer of escape underscores her tragic sense of inevitability.
“I have been a liar, and among liars from a little child, but I will take your words.”
Nancy acknowledges her lifelong dishonesty but chooses to trust the promises made by Mr. Brownlow and Rose.
This moment shows Nancy's desire for redemption even as she remains bound to her old life.