Oliver Twist · Chapter
LIII: And Last explained
The final chapter resolves the fates of all characters.
What happens
The final chapter resolves the fates of all characters. Rose Fleming and Harry Maylie marry and live happily with Mrs. Maylie. Oliver is adopted by Mr. Brownlow, who divides the inheritance with Monks. Monks squanders his share and dies in prison. Noah Claypole becomes an informer, the Bumbles become paupers, and Charley Bates reforms. The chapter ends with a tribute to Agnes Fleming.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this passage, the dramatic climax occurs when Rose Maylie, previously depicted as cheerful and in high spir…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Compassion and Redemption
Oliver's forgiveness of Monks and Charley Bates's reformation highlight redemption.
- Family and Belonging
Oliver finds a true family with Mr. Brownlow and the Maylies.
Characters to notice
- Oliver Twist
Adopted by Mr. Brownlow, lives happily near the Maylies.
- Mr. Brownlow
Adopts Oliver and moves near the parsonage.
- Rose Maylie
Marries Harry Maylie and lives happily.
- Monks
Takes his inheritance to America, squanders it, and dies in prison.
- Nancy
Mentioned in the context of her sister Agnes's memory.
Key passages
“Mr. Brownlow adopted Oliver as his son.”
Mr. Brownlow legally made Oliver his son.
Oliver's final adoption and happy ending.
“Monks, still bearing that assumed name, retired with his portion to a distant part of the New World; where, having quickly squandered it, he once more fell into his old courses, and, after undergoing a long confinement for some fresh act of fraud and knavery, at length sunk under an attack of his old disorder, and died in prison.”
Monks moved to America, wasted his money, returned to crime, was imprisoned, and died in jail.
Monks's downfall and death.
