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Oliver Twist, or the “Parish Boy's Progress”, is the second novel by
Charles Dickens, and was first published as a serial in 1837 until 1838. The
story had some influence on social policy and contributed to the creation of the
modern system of workhouses.
Oliver Twistis one of Dickens' most well-known novels and has been adapted
into various stage and screen versions. Many notable actors have portrayed the
orphan Oliver including Sir Alec Guinness in 1948 and Mark Lester who
starred alongside Ron Moody as Fagin in 1968.
Here is our Oliver Twist summary, to help you understand the plot and its
many ‘twists’ and turns:
The story begins in a Victorian workhouse. Oliver Twist isa young orphan.
His lifein the workhouse is lonely and sad. Oliver becomes an apprentice for
an undertaker but runs away after he gets into a fight with another apprentice.
When Oliver arrives in London, he meets Jack, also known as the Artful
Dodger, who offers him a place to stay. Unfortunately, Jack and his gang are
pickpockets, who work for an unscrupulous career criminal called Fagin.When Oliver sees the others pick the pocket of an elderly gentleman, he is
horrified and runs away. A kind man called Mr. Brownlow takes Oliver in and
looks after him.
Sadly, it isn’t “happily ever after” for poor Oliveras Fagin and his gang
reappear and capture him. They force Oliver to take part in a robbery and he
gets shot. A family called the Maylies nurse Oliver back to health. They take
him to see Mr. Brownlow when he's well enough, but they discover his home
deserted—he has emigrated to the West Indies.
Meanwhile, Fagin and his elusive associate Monks are still looking for Oliver,
to no avail. One day, after having a nightmare in which he sees them through
his window, Oliver wakes up to find them gazing at him. He raises the alarm,
bur they flee before he can stop them.Nancy, a member of Fagin’s gang, hears Fagin and Monks talking. She
decides she needs to tell Rose Maylies what she knows. Nancy tells the truth to
Rose that Monks is Oliver's half-brother, who has been trying to hurt him so he
can get all of his inheritance money. Rose tells Mr. Brownlow and he goes to
tell Oliver's other caretakers. They decide they need to meet Nancy again so
they can find Monks.
Nancy meets them on London Bridge at a
prearranged time, but Fagin is suspicious and has
sent Noah Claypole to spy on her. Nancy still
won't betray Fagin or Sikes, but she tells Rose
and Mr. Brownlow how to find Monks.
Noah tells Fagin about every piece of information
that he knows. Fagin then tells Sikes even though
he knows that telling him what he knows will result in Sikes trying to kill her.
Mr. Brownlow finds Monks and Monks admits that Oliver's birth was not what
first appeared to be true.
Sikes is trying to run away, but people are looking for him. He falls offa
building and dies. Fagin gets arrested and gets a visit from Oliver, after which
he is executed. Oliver, Mr. Brownlow, and the Maylies end up living peacefully
ina small village in England.There you have it-a short summary of Oliver Twist! We hope you enjoyed
this whirlwind tour through Oliver Twist's Victorian London.
Answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
1. According to the passage, who do you think Sike was?
2. Where did the story take place?
3. Why did Oliver Twist run away from the gang?
4. How did Oliver meet the Maylies family?
5. How many characters are there in this story, according to the
passage. Name them.