Oliver Twist · Character

Old Sally

An old pauper nurse who attended Oliver's mother at his birth.

minor

Also known as old Sally

First appearance: Treats on a Very Poor Subject. But Is a Short One, and May Be Found of Importance in This History

Old Sally shows up with force in Treats of the Place Where Oliver Twist Was Born and of the Circumstances Attending His Birth. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The pauper nurse attending the birth, who drinks from a green bottle and comforts the dying mother.

In the storyTreats of the Place Where Oliver Twist Was Born and of the Circumstances Attending His BirthOpen this moment free

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In Treats of the Place Where Oliver Twist Was Born and of the Circumstances Attending His Birth: The pauper nurse attending the birth, who drinks from a green bottle and comforts the dying mother. Later, in Treats on a…

In Treats of the Place Where Oliver Twist Was Born and of the Circumstances Attending His Birth: The pauper nurse attending the birth, who drinks from a green bottle and comforts the dying mother.

Later, in Treats on a Very Poor Subject. But Is a Short One, and May Be Found of Importance in This History: The dying parish nurse who confesses to stealing gold from Oliver's mother and reveals the mother's dying wish.

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Character Web

7 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting characters from Oliver's past and resolution
Fagin's criminal gang
Workhouse and parish officials
Protagonist

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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

Old Sally appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Treats of the Place Where Oliver Twist Was Born and of the Circumstances Attending His Birth
The pauper nurse attending the birth, who drinks from a green bottle and comforts the dying mother.
Treats on a Very Poor Subject. But Is a Short One, and May Be Found of Importance in This History
The dying parish nurse who confesses to stealing gold from Oliver's mother and reveals the mother's dying wish.
XXXVII: In Which the Reader May Perceive a Contrast, Not Uncommon in Matrimonial Cases
Mentioned as the nurse who attended Oliver's mother and died the previous winter; Bumble recalls that she had a secret disclosed to Mrs. Corney.

Chapter companion notes

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See Old Sally in Treats on a Very Poor Subject. But Is a Short One, and May Be Found of Importance in This History

See Old Sally in Treats of the Place Where Oliver Twist Was Born and of the Circumstances Attending His Birth