Oliver Twist · Chapter
XX: Wherein Oliver Is Delivered Over to Mr. William Sikes explained
Fagin informs Oliver that he is to be taken to Bill Sikes's residence that night.
What happens
Fagin informs Oliver that he is to be taken to Bill Sikes's residence that night. Despite Oliver's anxiety, Fagin evades his questions and warns him to obey Sikes. Nancy fetches Oliver and delivers him to Sikes, who intimidates the boy with a loaded pistol and instructs him in preparation for a burglary.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Oliver's innocence is exploited as he is forced into criminal company and threatened by Sikes.
Crime and Punishment
The chapter depicts the criminal underworld's methods of coercion and the looming threat of violence.
Compassion and Redemption
Nancy shows conflicted compassion for Oliver, warning him and revealing her own suffering.
Characters to notice
- Oliver Twist
Delivered to Sikes by Nancy; frightened but compliant.
- Fagin
Tells Oliver he will be taken to Sikes; warns him to obey.
- Bill Sikes
Receives Oliver; loads a pistol and intimidates him.
- Nancy
Brings Oliver to Sikes; shows bruises from past abuse and pleads for his silence.
Key passages
“You are hedged round and round. If ever you are to get loose from here, this is not the time.”
You are trapped completely; now is not the moment to escape.
Nancy warns Oliver that escape is impossible at present.
“I have saved you from being ill-used once, and I will again, and I do now”
I have protected you from mistreatment before and I am doing so again now.
Nancy asserts her protective role despite her own danger.
“He's a rough man, and thinks nothing of blood when his own is up.”
He is a violent man who does not hesitate to kill when angry.
Fagin warns Oliver about Sikes's ruthless nature.