Oliver Twist · Chapter
Chapter XXXVI: Is a Very Short One, and May Appear of No Great Importance in Its Place, but It Should Be Read Notwithstanding, as a Sequel to the Last, and a Key to One That Will Follow When Its Time Arrives explained
Harry Maylie, after a sudden change of plans, accompanies Mr.
What happens
Harry Maylie, after a sudden change of plans, accompanies Mr. Losberne on a journey to London. Before leaving, he privately asks Oliver to write to him regularly with news of his mother and Rose Maylie, especially about Rose's well-being. After the carriage departs, Rose, who had been watching from behind a curtain, is moved to tears, suggesting hidden sorrow beneath her calm exterior.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Belonging
Harry's concern for his mother and Rose, and his secret request to Oliver, underscore his deep familial ties and longing for connection.
Identity and Secret Origins
Harry's hidden feelings and the secret correspondence with Oliver hint at concealed motives and personal mysteries.
Characters to notice
- Harry Maylie
Shows sudden resolve to leave, asks Oliver to secretly report on Rose's happiness.
- Mr. Losberne
Teases Harry about his changing plans and accompanies him to London.
- Oliver Twist
Pleased to be entrusted with writing to Harry and promises secrecy.
- Rose Maylie
Watches Harry's departure from behind a curtain; weeps with sorrow after he leaves.
- Mr. Giles
Holds the carriage door and is left behind at the house.
Key passages
“And so you are resolved to be my travelling companion this morning; eh?”
So you've decided to travel with me today?
Mr. Losberne questions Harry's sudden change of plans.
“I shall not be at home again, perhaps for some time; I wish you would write to me—say once a fortnight: every alternate Monday: to the General Post Office in London.”
I may be away for a while; please write to me every two weeks at the London Post Office.
Harry asks Oliver to maintain secret correspondence.
“Tears are signs of gladness as well as grief; but those which coursed down Rose’s face, as she sat pensively at the window, still gazing in the same direction, seemed to tell more of sorrow than of joy.”
Though tears can come from happiness, Rose's tears as she watched the carriage leave appeared to be from sadness.
The narrator reveals Rose's hidden sorrow after Harry's departure.