# XXI: The Expedition explained — Oliver Twist

> Chapter companion for Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxi-the-expedition
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oliver_twist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters