Oliver Twist · Character

Mrs. Sowerberry

The undertaker's wife who treats Oliver harshly.

minor

First appearance: IV: Oliver, Being Offered Another Place, Makes His First Entry Into Public Life

Mrs. Sowerberry shows up with force in IV: Oliver, Being Offered Another Place, Makes His First Entry Into Public Life. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The undertaker's wife, who complains about Oliver's small size and potential cost, and pushes him downstairs to eat dog scraps.

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In IV: Oliver, Being Offered Another Place, Makes His First Entry Into Public Life: The undertaker's wife, who complains about Oliver's small size and potential cost, and pushes him downstairs to eat dog scraps. Later,…

Later, in Oliver Mingles with New Associates. Going to a Funeral for the First Time, He Forms an Unfavourable Notion of His Master’s Business: Mrs. Sowerberry treats Oliver harshly, giving him stale scraps and a cold corner for breakfast.

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See Mrs. Sowerberry in IV: Oliver, Being Offered Another Place, Makes His First Entry Into Public Life

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

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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In the story

Mrs. Sowerberry appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV: Oliver, Being Offered Another Place, Makes His First Entry Into Public Life
The undertaker's wife, who complains about Oliver's small size and potential cost, and pushes him downstairs to eat dog scraps.
Oliver Mingles with New Associates. Going to a Funeral for the First Time, He Forms an Unfavourable Notion of His Master’s Business
Mrs. Sowerberry treats Oliver harshly, giving him stale scraps and a cold corner for breakfast.
Oliver, Being Goaded by the Taunts of Noah, Rouses Into Action, and Rather Astonishes Him
Mrs. Sowerberry helps subdue Oliver and sends Noah to summon Mr. Bumble.
VII: Oliver Continues Refractory
She mistreats Oliver and, along with Charlotte, gives a dramatic account of his supposed ferocity.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mrs. Sowerberry in IV: Oliver, Being Offered Another Place, Makes His First Entry Into Public Life