Chapter XXXIX: Introduces Some Respectable Characters with Whom the Reader Is Already Acquainted, and Shows How Monks and the Jew Laid Their Worthy Heads Together explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Crime and Punishment

  Sikes' illness and poverty are portrayed as consequences of his criminal life, while Fagin's gang continues their thieving operations.

• Compassion and Redemption

  Nancy's tender care for Sikes despite his abuse hints at her capacity for compassion, contrasting with the brutality around her.

• Class and Hypocrisy

  Toby Crackit's pretensions to gentility and Tom Chitling's admiration for him satirize social climbing among the lower classes.

Characters to notice

• Bill Sikes

  Recovering from illness in a mean apartment, weak and irritable, strikes Nancy and curses her.

• Nancy

  Pale and exhausted from nursing Sikes, faints after being struck, then hides her bonnet and shawl upon Monks' arrival.

• Fagin

  Arrives with food and drink for Sikes, sends the boys out, and warns Nancy not to speak of money when Monks enters.

• The Artful Dodger

  Assists in reviving Nancy with spirits and helps carry the bundle of provisions.

• Charley Bates

  Amused by the proceedings, slaps Nancy's hands and jokes about the dog.

• Monks

  Arrives unexpectedly at Fagin's room, drawing back upon seeing Nancy.

Key passages

• “As weak as water”

  Extremely feeble

  Sikes describes his physical state after illness.

• “Such a number of nights as I've been patient with you, nursing and caring for you, as if you had been a child”

  I've tended to you for many nights like a child

  Nancy reminds Sikes of her devoted care.

• “It's a poor trade, Nancy, and no thanks; but I'm fond of seeing the young people about me”

  This is a thankless business, but I enjoy the company of the young

  Fagin feigns benevolence while hiding his criminal motives.