Oliver Twist · Chapter
XVI: Relates What Became of Oliver Twist, After He Had Been Claimed by Nancy explained
Sikes and Nancy drag Oliver through the foggy streets to Fagin's den.
What happens
Sikes and Nancy drag Oliver through the foggy streets to Fagin's den. Fagin and Sikes argue over stolen books and money, and Oliver desperately begs for their return. When Oliver tries to escape, Nancy intervenes to protect him from the dog and from Fagin's beating, displaying fierce defiance against the criminals.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Oliver's desperate plea to return the books highlights his innocence, while Fagin and Sikes's manipulation of the situation to ensure Oliver is branded a thief exemplifies the corruption that surrounds him.
Compassion and Redemption
Nancy's fierce defense of Oliver against Fagin's beating and Sikes's dog shows a spark of compassion and a desire to protect the boy, hinting at her potential for redemption.
Crime and Punishment
The chapter depicts the criminal activities of Fagin's gang, including theft and kidnapping, and references the threat of execution, underscoring the theme of crime and its consequences.
Characters to notice
- Oliver Twist
Oliver is forcibly taken by Sikes and Nancy, and later begs for the return of Mr. Brownlow's books and money, fearing he will be thought a thief.
- Bill Sikes
Sikes drags Oliver through the streets, threatens him with his dog, and later argues with Fagin over the stolen goods, showing his brutal and greedy nature.
- Nancy
Nancy holds Oliver's hand, trembles at the thought of executions, and later fiercely defends Oliver from Fagin's beating and Sikes's dog, revealing her conflicted conscience.
- Fagin
Fagin receives the stolen books and money, argues with Sikes over the proceeds, and beats Oliver with a club until Nancy intervenes.
- Charley Bates
Charley Bates mocks Oliver by pretending to read one of the stolen books, laughing at Oliver's distress.
Key passages
“Oh, pray send them back; send him back the books and money. Keep me here all my life long; but pray, pray send them back. He'll think I stole them; the old lady: all of them who were so kind to me: will think I stole them.”
Oliver begs Fagin to return the books and money to Mr. Brownlow, saying he would rather stay with the gang forever than have the kind people who helped him believe he is a thief.
This plea highlights Oliver's innocence and his deep fear of being misjudged by those who showed him kindness.
“I won't stand by and see it done, Fagin. You've got the boy, and what more would you have?—Let him be—let him be—or I shall put that mark on some of you, that will bring me to the gallows before my time.”
Nancy threatens Fagin, saying she will not tolerate him beating Oliver and warns that she will commit a violent act that could lead to her own execution if he continues.
Nancy's outburst shows her fierce protective instinct and her willingness to risk her own life to stop the abuse of Oliver.