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Oliver Twist · Chapter

Wherein This History Reverts to Mr. Fagin and Company explained

Fagin broods in his den while the Dodger, Charley Bates, and Tom Chitling play cards.

What happens

Fagin broods in his den while the Dodger, Charley Bates, and Tom Chitling play cards. After a quarrel, Toby Crackit arrives with news of the failed burglary: Bill Sikes and Oliver are missing, and Oliver was left in a ditch. Fagin reacts with fury and despair.

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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 Rising action.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

In this passage, the dramatic climax occurs when Rose Maylie, previously depicted as cheerful and in high spir…

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Themes in this chapter

  • Crime and Punishment

    The chapter depicts the criminal underworld's operations, including cheating at cards, the aftermath of a burglary, and the constant threat of the gallows.

  • Innocence and Corruption

    Fagin and his gang's callousness contrasts with Oliver's innocence; the boy is left for dead in a ditch.

Characters to notice

  • Fagin

    Brooding by the fire, then agitated by Toby Crackit's news about the failed burglary and Oliver's fate.

  • The Artful Dodger

    Playing whist, cheating skillfully, and later fetching Toby Crackit.

  • Charley Bates

    Laughing and joking during the card game, then scuffling with Tom Chitling.

  • Tom Chitling

    Losing at cards, blushing about Betsy, and getting into a fight with Charley.

  • Toby Crackit

    Arrives in disguise, eats and drinks, then reports the failed burglary and Oliver's abandonment.

Key passages

  • “The crack failed”

    The burglary went wrong.

    Toby Crackit reports the failed robbery to Fagin.

  • “We parted company, and left the youngster lying in a ditch. Alive or dead, that's all I know about him.”

    We split up and left the boy in a ditch. I don't know if he's alive or dead.

    Toby describes abandoning Oliver after the burglary.

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