Oliver Twist · Chapter
XXI: The Expedition explained
On a gloomy morning, Sikes forces Oliver to accompany him on a long journey through London and into the countryside, passing through Smithfield market and various towns, eventually arriving at a dilapidated house near a bridge, where Oliver
What happens
On a gloomy morning, Sikes forces Oliver to accompany him on a long journey through London and into the countryside, passing through Smithfield market and various towns, eventually arriving at a dilapidated house near a bridge, where Oliver fears for his life.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Oliver's innocence is starkly contrasted with Sikes' criminality and the corrupting environment he is dragged through.
Crime and Punishment
Sikes' criminal expedition and Oliver's forced participation highlight the theme of crime and its consequences.
Characters to notice
- Oliver Twist
Forced to accompany Sikes on a long, frightening journey; exhausted and fearful.
- Bill Sikes
Leads Oliver through London and the countryside, intimidating him and ensuring his compliance.
Key passages
“The night was very dark. A damp mist rose from the river, and the marshy ground about; and spread itself over the dreary fields. It was piercing cold, too; all was gloomy and black.”
The night was extremely dark, with a cold, damp mist rising from the river and marshes, covering the fields and making everything feel bleak and freezing.
This description emphasizes the oppressive and threatening atmosphere as Oliver and Sikes travel.
“He was about to throw himself on the ground, and make one struggle for his young life, when he saw that they stood before a solitary house: all ruinous and decayed.”
Oliver was ready to fall to the ground and fight for his life, but then he realized they were standing in front of a lonely, dilapidated house.
Oliver's terror peaks as he believes Sikes intends to murder him by the water, only to find they have arrived at a ruined house.