Oliver Twist · Chapter
Wherein This History Reverts to Mr. Fagin and Company explained
Fagin broods in his den while the Dodger, Charley Bates, and Tom Chitling play cards.
What happens
Fagin broods in his den while the Dodger, Charley Bates, and Tom Chitling play cards. After a quarrel, Toby Crackit arrives with news of the failed burglary: Bill Sikes and Oliver are missing, and Oliver was left in a ditch. Fagin reacts with fury and despair.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Punishment
The chapter depicts the criminal underworld's operations, including cheating at cards, the aftermath of a burglary, and the constant threat of the gallows.
Innocence and Corruption
Fagin and his gang's callousness contrasts with Oliver's innocence; the boy is left for dead in a ditch.
Characters to notice
- Fagin
Brooding by the fire, then agitated by Toby Crackit's news about the failed burglary and Oliver's fate.
- The Artful Dodger
Playing whist, cheating skillfully, and later fetching Toby Crackit.
- Charley Bates
Laughing and joking during the card game, then scuffling with Tom Chitling.
- Tom Chitling
Losing at cards, blushing about Betsy, and getting into a fight with Charley.
- Toby Crackit
Arrives in disguise, eats and drinks, then reports the failed burglary and Oliver's abandonment.
Key passages
“The crack failed”
The burglary went wrong.
Toby Crackit reports the failed robbery to Fagin.
“We parted company, and left the youngster lying in a ditch. Alive or dead, that's all I know about him.”
We split up and left the boy in a ditch. I don't know if he's alive or dead.
Toby describes abandoning Oliver after the burglary.