# Wherein This History Reverts to Mr. Fagin and Company explained — Oliver Twist

> Chapter companion for Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxv-wherein-this-history-reverts-to-mr-fagin-and-company
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oliver_twist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters