# Oliver Twist — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

- [Treats of the Place Where Oliver Twist Was Born and of the Circumstances Attending His Birth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/i-treats-of-the-place-where-oliver-twist-was-born-and-of-the-circumstances-attending-his-birth.md): Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse to a young woman who dies shortly after childbirth. The parish surgeon and a drunken nurse attend the birth. The mother is revealed to be unmarried, and Oliver is left as a parish orph
- [II: Treats of Oliver Twist’s Growth, Education, and Board](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/ii-treats-of-oliver-twist-s-growth-education-and-board.md): Oliver Twist spends his first nine years in a parish workhouse farm under the neglectful care of Mrs. Mann, who starves the children for profit. On his ninth birthday, after being punished for hunger, he is brought befor
- [Relates How Oliver Twist Was Very Near Getting a Place Which Would Not Have Been a Sinecure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/iii-relates-how-oliver-twist-was-very-near-getting-a-place-which-would-not-have-been-a-sinecure.md): After asking for more food, Oliver is imprisoned in a dark room for a week, subjected to cold baths and public floggings. The parish board attempts to apprentice him to Mr. Gamfield, a brutal chimney sweep, but the magis
- [IV: Oliver, Being Offered Another Place, Makes His First Entry Into Public Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/iv-oliver-being-offered-another-place-makes-his-first-entry-into-public-life.md): Oliver is apprenticed to Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker, after the workhouse board considers sending him to sea. He is taken by Mr. Bumble to the undertaker's shop, where he meets Mr. and Mrs. Sowerberry. Despite Oliver'
- [Oliver Mingles with New Associates. Going to a Funeral for the First Time, He Forms an Unfavourable Notion of His Master’s Business](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/v-oliver-mingles-with-new-associates-going-to-a-funeral-for-the-first-time-he-forms-an-unfavourable-notion-of-his-master-s-business.md): Oliver begins his apprenticeship with Mr. Sowerberry the undertaker, feeling isolated and fearful in the gloomy shop. He meets Noah Claypole, a charity-boy who bullies him mercilessly. Oliver endures poor treatment from 

> 48 more chapter companions — [open a free preview](https://www.betterreads.dev/reader?bookId=oliver_twist_se_1136kb&preview=1) to unlock the rest.

- [Oliver, Being Goaded by the Taunts of Noah, Rouses Into Action, and Rather Astonishes Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/vi-oliver-being-goaded-by-the-taunts-of-noah-rouses-into-action-and-rather-astonishes-him.md)
- [VII: Oliver Continues Refractory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/vii-oliver-continues-refractory.md)
- [Oliver Walks to London. He Encounters on the Road a Strange Sort of Young Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/viii-oliver-walks-to-london-he-encounters-on-the-road-a-strange-sort-of-young-gentleman.md)
- [IX: Containing Further Particulars Concerning the Pleasant Old Gentleman, and His Hopeful Pupils](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/ix-containing-further-particulars-concerning-the-pleasant-old-gentleman-and-his-hopeful-pupils.md)
- [Oliver Becomes Better Acquainted with the Characters of His New Associates; and Purchases Experience at a High Price. Being a Short, but Very Important Chapter, in This History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/x-oliver-becomes-better-acquainted-with-the-characters-of-his-new-associates-and-purchases-experience-at-a-high-price-being-a-short-but-very-important-chapter-in-this-history.md)
- [XII: In Which Oliver Is Taken Better Care of Than He Ever Was Before. And in Which the Narrative Reverts to the Merry Old Gentleman and His Youthful Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xii-in-which-oliver-is-taken-better-care-of-than-he-ever-was-before-and-in-which-the-narrative-reverts-to-the-merry-old-gentleman-and-his-youthful-friends.md)
- [XIII: Some New Acquaintances Are Introduced to the Intelligent Reader, Connected with Whom Various Pleasant Matters Are Related, Appertaining to This History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xiii-some-new-acquaintances-are-introduced-to-the-intelligent-reader-connected-with-whom-various-pleasant-matters-are-related-appertaining-to-this-history.md)
- [XIV: Comprising Further Particulars of Oliver’s Stay at Mr. Brownlow’s, with the Remarkable Prediction Which One Mr. Grimwig Uttered Concerning Him, When He Went Out on an Errand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xiv-comprising-further-particulars-of-oliver-s-stay-at-mr-brownlow-s-with-the-remarkable-prediction-which-one-mr-grimwig-uttered-concerning-him-when-he-went-out-on-an-errand.md)
- [XV: Showing How Very Fond of Oliver Twist the Merry Old Jew and Miss Nancy Were](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xv-showing-how-very-fond-of-oliver-twist-the-merry-old-jew-and-miss-nancy-were.md)
- [XVI: Relates What Became of Oliver Twist, After He Had Been Claimed by Nancy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xvi-relates-what-became-of-oliver-twist-after-he-had-been-claimed-by-nancy.md)
- [Oliver’s Destiny Continuing Unpropitious, Brings a Great Man to London to Injure His Reputation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xvii-oliver-s-destiny-continuing-unpropitious-brings-a-great-man-to-london-to-injure-his-reputation.md)
- [How Oliver Passed His Time in the Improving Society of His Reputable Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xviii-how-oliver-passed-his-time-in-the-improving-society-of-his-reputable-friends.md)
- [XIX: In Which a Notable Plan Is Discussed and Determined On](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xix-in-which-a-notable-plan-is-discussed-and-determined-on.md)
- [XX: Wherein Oliver Is Delivered Over to Mr. William Sikes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xx-wherein-oliver-is-delivered-over-to-mr-william-sikes.md)
- [XXI: The Expedition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxi-the-expedition.md)
- [The Burglary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxii-the-burglary.md)
- [Which Contains the Substance of a Pleasant Conversation Between Mr. Bumble and a Lady; and Shows That Even a Beadle May Be Susceptible on Some Points](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxiii-which-contains-the-substance-of-a-pleasant-conversation-between-mr-bumble-and-a-lady-and-shows-that-even-a-beadle-may-be-susceptible-on-some-points.md)
- [Treats on a Very Poor Subject. But Is a Short One, and May Be Found of Importance in This History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxiv-treats-on-a-very-poor-subject-but-is-a-short-one-and-may-be-found-of-importance-in-this-history.md)
- [Wherein This History Reverts to Mr. Fagin and Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxv-wherein-this-history-reverts-to-mr-fagin-and-company.md)
- [Chapter XXVI: In Which a Mysterious Character Appears Upon the Scene; and Many Things, Inseparable from This History, Are Done and Performed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxvi-in-which-a-mysterious-character-appears-upon-the-scene-and-many-things-inseparable-from-this-history-are-done-and-performed.md)
- [Chapter XXVII: Atones for the Unpoliteness of a Former Chapter; Which Deserted a Lady, Most Unceremoniously](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxvii-atones-for-the-unpoliteness-of-a-former-chapter-which-deserted-a-lady-most-unceremoniously.md)
- [XXVIII: Looks After Oliver, and Proceeds with His Adventures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxviii-looks-after-oliver-and-proceeds-with-his-adventures.md)
- [XXIX: Has an Introductory Account of the Inmates of the House, to Which Oliver Resorted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxix-has-an-introductory-account-of-the-inmates-of-the-house-to-which-oliver-resorted.md)
- [XXX: Relates What Oliver's New Visitors Thought of Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxx-relates-what-oliver-s-new-visitors-thought-of-him.md)
- [Involves a Critical Position](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxxi-involves-a-critical-position.md)
- [Of the Happy Life Oliver Began to Lead with His Kind Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxxii-of-the-happy-life-oliver-began-to-lead-with-his-kind-friends.md)
- [Wherein the Happiness of Oliver and His Friends Experiences a Sudden Check](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxxiii-wherein-the-happiness-of-oliver-and-his-friends-experiences-a-sudden-check.md)
- [XXXIV: Contains Some Introductory Particulars Relative to a Young Gentleman Who Now Arrives Upon the Scene; and a New Adventure Which Happened to Oliver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxxiv-contains-some-introductory-particulars-relative-to-a-young-gentleman-who-now-arrives-upon-the-scene-and-a-new-adventure-which-happened-to-oliver.md)
- [XXXV: Containing the Unsatisfactory Result of Oliver’s Adventure; and a Conversation of Some Importance Between Harry Maylie and Rose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxxv-containing-the-unsatisfactory-result-of-oliver-s-adventure-and-a-conversation-of-some-importance-between-harry-maylie-and-rose.md)
- [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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/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.md)
- [XXXVII: In Which the Reader May Perceive a Contrast, Not Uncommon in Matrimonial Cases](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxxvii-in-which-the-reader-may-perceive-a-contrast-not-uncommon-in-matrimonial-cases.md)
- [XXXVIII: Containing an Account of What Passed Between Mr. and Mrs. Bumble, and Mr. Monks, at Their Nocturnal Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxxviii-containing-an-account-of-what-passed-between-mr-and-mrs-bumble-and-mr-monks-at-their-nocturnal-interview.md)
- [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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xxxix-introduces-some-respectable-characters-with-whom-the-reader-is-already-acquainted-and-shows-how-monks-and-the-jew-laid-their-worthy-heads-together.md)
- [A Strange Interview, Which Is a Sequel to the Last Chapter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xl-a-strange-interview-which-is-a-sequel-to-the-last-chapter.md)
- [XLI: Containing Fresh Discoveries, and Showing That Surprises, Like Misfortunes, Seldom Come Alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xli-containing-fresh-discoveries-and-showing-that-surprises-like-misfortunes-seldom-come-alone.md)
- [An Old Acquaintance of Oliver’s, Exhibiting Decided Marks of Genius, Becomes a Public Character in the Metropolis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xlii-an-old-acquaintance-of-oliver-s-exhibiting-decided-marks-of-genius-becomes-a-public-character-in-the-metropolis.md)
- [Wherein Is Shown How the Artful Dodger Got Into Trouble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xliii-wherein-is-shown-how-the-artful-dodger-got-into-trouble.md)
- [The Time Arrives for Nancy to Redeem Her Pledge to Rose Maylie. She Fails](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xliv-the-time-arrives-for-nancy-to-redeem-her-pledge-to-rose-maylie-she-fails.md)
- [Noah Claypole Is Employed by Fagin on a Secret Mission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xlv-noah-claypole-is-employed-by-fagin-on-a-secret-mission.md)
- [XLVI: The Appointment Kept](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xlvi-the-appointment-kept.md)
- [Fatal Consequences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xlvii-fatal-consequences.md)
- [XLVIII: The Flight of Sikes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xlviii-the-flight-of-sikes.md)
- [Monks and Mr. Brownlow at Length Meet. Their Conversation, and the Intelligence That Interrupts It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/xlix-monks-and-mr-brownlow-at-length-meet-their-conversation-and-the-intelligence-that-interrupts-it.md)
- [The Pursuit and Escape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/l-the-pursuit-and-escape.md)
- [Affording an Explanation of More Mysteries Than One, and Comprehending a Proposal of Marriage with No Word of Settlement or Pin-Money](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/li-affording-an-explanation-of-more-mysteries-than-one-and-comprehending-a-proposal-of-marriage-with-no-word-of-settlement-or-pin-money.md)
- [Fagin's Last Night Alive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/lii-fagin-s-last-night-alive.md)
- [LIII: And Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/liii-and-last.md)
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters/endnotes.md)

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oliver_twist_se/chapters