Oliver Twist · Chapter
Involves a Critical Position explained
Oliver continues to recover under the care of Mrs.
What happens
Oliver continues to recover under the care of Mrs. Maylie, Rose, and Mr. Losberne. The officers Blathers and Duff investigate the burglary but are misled by Giles's confused identification of Oliver. After a humorous tale about a false robbery by Conkey Chickweed, the officers accept a bail arrangement for Oliver and leave, while Oliver's health improves.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Oliver's innocence is contrasted with the corrupt and self-serving actions of the officers and the false accusations against him.
Class and Hypocrisy
The officers' casual dismissal of Oliver's plight and the humorous tale of Conkey Chickweed expose hypocrisy in law enforcement and society.
Characters to notice
- Oliver Twist
Recovering from his wound, looked after by Mrs. Maylie, Rose, and Mr. Losberne; questioned by the officers but too feverish to understand.
- Mr. Losberne
Defends Oliver by fabricating a story about a spring-gun accident and arranges bail for him.
- Mr. Giles
Confused and fearful, he admits he cannot swear Oliver is the burglar's boy, causing the investigation to falter.
- Blathers
One of the investigating officers; listens to the tale of Conkey Chickweed and questions Giles and Brittles.
- Duff
The other officer; expresses contempt for Giles's muddled testimony and later inclines to blame the Family Pet for the burglary.
- Rose Maylie
Helps nurse Oliver back to health alongside Mrs. Maylie and Mr. Losberne.
Key passages
“If fervent prayers, gushing from hearts overcharged with gratitude, be heard in heaven—and if they be not, what prayers are!—the blessings which the orphan child called down upon them, sunk into their souls, diffusing peace and happiness.”
Oliver's heartfelt thanks and prayers for his benefactors bring them deep inner peace and joy.
Highlights the theme of compassion and redemption as Oliver's gratitude affects those who care for him.
“‘Come!’ said Spyers, offering him a pinch of snuff, ‘none of that gammon! You did it yourself.’ So he had; and a good bit of money he had made by it, too; and nobody would never have found it out, if he hadn't been so precious anxious to keep up appearances!”
Spyers reveals that Chickweed staged the robbery himself to gain sympathy and money, only being caught because he tried too hard to seem innocent.
Illustrates the theme of crime and punishment and the hypocrisy of those who feign victimhood.